Maybe it’s because Yossi Benayoun didn’t figure to be in the starting lineup until tonight, but it’s a little surprising that more isn’t made of the ties between Benayoun and Chelsea boss Avram Grant. First off, it’s unheard of to have two Israelis to be such major players on this big a Champions League stage.

The story behind the Grant-Benayoun connection starts back in 2000, when Grant took over at Maccabi Haifa. He put together an aggressive offensive side that was often propelled by nationally embraced prodigy Benayoun, who was the 2000-2001 MVP at age 20. The next year, Benayoun and Grant teamed with none other than Yakubu to bring a second consecutive title to Maccabi.