A late double from Eran Zahavi guided Maccabi Tel Aviv into the Champions League playoff round following a 3-2 aggregate win over Viktoria Plzen.

Tel Aviv's hopes were hanging by a thread after Plzen came away with two crucial away goals, but Maccabi defended doggedly, riding their luck at times after Aidin Mahmutović had hit the woodwork, before Israel international striker Zahavi picked their pockets in the final 14 minutes.

Zahavi levelled the aggregate score from the penalty spot after being brought down by David Limberský.

The strike gave Maccabi fans hope and they were in dreamland seven minutes later when Zahavi netted again with a superb first-time connection from Yuval Spungin's cross.

Plzeň came close to forcing extra-time but substitute Jan Kopic's last-minute header was well saved by Juan Pablo as their record run of 13 straight UEFA Champions League qualifying wins was brought to an end as Maccabi turned the tie late on.