Israeli Football Eyes Historic European Feat as Tel Aviv Clubs Chase Group Stage Spots

Israeli football fans are eagerly anticipating two crucial Europa Conference League playoff second-leg matches on Thursday evening involving Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv. Maccabi Tel Aviv aims to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Lugano, while Hapoel Tel Aviv looks to secure a surprise qualification after a 0-0 draw with Atalanta 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 already in the Europa League group stage, this would replicate a scenario not seen in 15 years when Hapoel Tel Aviv, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Maccabi Haifa all participated in European competitions concurrently. Back then, none of the Israeli teams progressed beyond the group stages, with Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa finishing third in their groups and Maccabi Tel Aviv finishing last. To replicate or surpass that historic milestone, both Tel Aviv clubs face challenging matches tonight. The outcome will determine whether Israeli football can celebrate another notable European campaign this season.