Anan Halaily Scores First Champions League Goal for Marseille
Remarkable Mileststart for Halaily
On December 9, 2025, Anan Halaily made headlines by scoring his first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League, netting a remarkable shot against Geronimo Rulli of Marseille. This goal, recorded with an expected goals (xG) value of just 0.03-translating to a 3% chance of success-showcased Halaily’s unexpected precision and determination.
Key Statistics and Performance Insights
According to advanced data from SofaScore, Halaily struck from a distance of 18 meters. Despite Rulli’s excellent dive attempt, Halaily’s effort found the back of the net. This goal marks only the second time Halaily has scored this season, a testament to his focus on defensive duties during his current tenure at Saint-Gillois.
Notably, Halaily is now the second Israeli player this season to score in the Champions League, following Ofri Arad. Earlier in the season, Marseille maintained clean sheets against powerhouses like Paris Saint-Germain and Ajax, yet, unlike his counterparts Oscar Gluch and Ousmane Dembélé, Halaily managed to make a decisive impact in this match.
A Versatile Scorer
Halaily’s recent goal came with his dominant left foot, contrasting with his previous strike this season, which he scored using his right foot. His versatility as a scorer adds another layer to his game, enhancing his value to the team as they progress through the UEFA Champions League.
Halaily’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of football, where even those with low xG can find the net under the right circumstances. As he continues to embrace the challenges in Europe, fans and analysts alike will watch keenly to see how he builds on this achievement.
For fans looking to catch future matches live, consider booking tickets for sports games abroad to see players like Halaily in action!