Hapoel Tel Aviv Falls 1-0 to Atalanta, Eliminated from Conference League

Hapoel Tel Aviv was eliminated from the UEFA Conference League after a narrow 1-0 loss to Atalanta in their second-leg playoff match held in Miskolc, Hungary. The match took place on Thursday in front of approximately 5,000 Hapoel supporters who traveled from Tel Aviv to cheer on their team. The Israeli side, coached by Aliniv Breda, had previously secured a surprising 0-0 draw in the first leg in Bergamo, Italy.

Throughout the match, Hapoel Tel Aviv showed strong resistance and matched the Italian Serie A club, creating several chances and maintaining control at times. The game remained goalless until the 72nd minute when Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca scored from a corner kick, breaking the deadlock and ultimately deciding the tie. Despite efforts from Hapoel, including a late shot on target by Alcock in the 80th minute, the team could not equalize.

The match was officiated by German referee Daniel Schlager, who had previously overseen matches involving Israeli teams. Atalanta introduced their star player Charles De Ketelaere in the second half, who had scored in the recent World Cup. Hapoel’s coach Breda praised his players for their fighting spirit and competitiveness against a top-tier Italian side, acknowledging the disappointment but also the pride in their performance.

With this result, Atalanta advances to the group stage of the Conference League, while Hapoel Tel Aviv’s European campaign ends. The Israeli club’s fans and players showed determination and resilience, but a single set-piece goal proved decisive in the tightly contested encounter.