Israeli Football Eyes Historic Feat as Tel Aviv Clubs Aim for European Group Stage

Israeli football fans are eagerly awaiting Thursday evening's return legs in the UEFA Europa Conference League playoffs, featuring Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Maccabi Tel Aviv faces a challenging task to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Lugano, while Hapoel Tel Aviv aims to surprise Atalanta after a goalless draw in Bergamo last week. If both Tel Aviv clubs succeed in advancing to the group stage, it would mark a significant achievement for Israeli football, as three Israeli teams would compete simultaneously in European group stages for the first time since the 2011/12 season. Alongside Hapoel Be'er Sheva, which is competing in the UEFA Europa League, this would recreate a scenario last seen 15 years ago when Hapoel Tel Aviv, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Maccabi Haifa all participated in European competitions. Back then, Maccabi Tel Aviv was grouped with AEK Larnaca, Schalke, and Steaua Bucharest; Hapoel Tel Aviv faced Rapid Bucharest, Legia Warsaw, and PSV Eindhoven; and Maccabi Haifa competed against Besiktas, Dynamo Kyiv, and Stoke City. Unfortunately, none of the Israeli clubs progressed beyond the group stage that season, with Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa finishing third in their groups and Maccabi Tel Aviv finishing last. To replicate or surpass that achievement this season, the Tel Aviv clubs must overcome tough opponents in their upcoming matches.