Lithuanian international Modestas Vorobjovas made his Israeli Premier League debut on Monday evening, playing the full 90 minutes as Bnei Sakhnin began their league campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 away draw against Maccabi Netanya.
The two sides finished last season in contrasting positions, with Netanya ending the campaign in seventh place while Vorobjovas’ new club finished 11th. Unsurprisingly, the hosts entered the opening-round fixture as favourites.
The 30-year-old midfielder joined Bnei Sakhnin this summer on a one-year contract after spending the previous three seasons with Turkish side Istanbulspor. Handed an immediate start in his first league appearance for the club, Vorobjovas produced a disciplined display in midfield as his side earned a valuable point away from home.
In a match where neither team was able to find the breakthrough, the Lithuanian completed the full 90 minutes and contributed solidly in the defensive phase. He finished the game with five clearances, three recoveries and three blocked shots, helping Bnei Sakhnin keep a clean sheet on the opening day of the season.
Vorobjovas and Bnei Sakhnin will now turn their attention to the second round of the Israeli Premier League, where they will host Maccabi Petah Tikva on Saturday.
