After a turbulent week for Israeli sport, how refreshing was it to see Yossi Benayoun on the front and backpages of virtually every national newspaper after scoring a crucial Champions League winner for Liverpool in Madrid?

With all eyes on manager Rafa Benitez, whose future remains in doubt over a contract wrangle, injured captain Steve Gerrard, on the bench, and star striker Fernando Torres, hobbling around on one leg for an hour, the Israel captain found the perfect moment to grab the headlines with a rare headed goal.

Yossi had been the centre of speculation about leaving the club earlier in the season, when limited to a bit-part role in the team, but he has knuckled down to the task of keeping the Merseysiders’ double hopes alive after being given a run in the team. He is now one of their form players, and also recently scored a vital goal in the Premier League against Wigan, as well as several assists.

Prior to that, the Dubai Open tennis debacle, banning one but allowing a second Israeli to take part, clearly shocked the world of sport. Even Andy Roddick took a stand and boycotted the event.

This really was a case of game, set and match.