Hapoel Tel Aviv Narrowly Eliminated by Atalanta in Conference League Playoff

Hapoel Tel Aviv was eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a narrow 1-0 loss to Atalanta in the second leg of the playoff round on August 27, 2026. Despite the defeat, Hapoel delivered a commendable performance against the Italian side, matching them for most of the two-legged tie. The decisive goal came late in the second half when Gianluca Scamacca, who had just come on as a substitute, scored in the 80th minute following a scramble in the penalty area.

The first half of the match was largely uneventful, with both teams struggling to create clear chances despite a high tempo. Hapoel remained resilient defensively throughout the 180 minutes of the tie, significantly limiting Atalanta’s opportunities. In the 86th minute, Hapoel nearly equalized when Mor Buskila’s powerful shot hit the crossbar after a corner kick, but the team was unable to find the net.

Hapoel’s European campaign was notable, especially as they were underdogs from the start. They surprised many by eliminating Ludogorets and then Katowice to reach the playoff round. The team came within ten minutes of forcing extra time against the prestigious Italian club. However, offensive struggles persisted throughout, with few significant chances created in either leg. The elimination marks a disappointing end to a largely encouraging run in European competition for Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Summary: Hapoel Tel Aviv was narrowly defeated 1-0 by Atalanta in the Conference League playoff second leg, ending their European campaign after a strong but ultimately unsuccessful effort. The winning goal came late from substitute Gianluca Scamacca, and Hapoel’s Mor Buskila hit the crossbar in a late chance to equalize.