Hapoel Be'er Sheva Draws Juventus, Bournemouth in UEFA Europa League Group Stage

Following a disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, Israeli champions Hapoel Be'er Sheva have shifted focus to the UEFA Europa League group stage. The team was drawn into a challenging group featuring Juventus (home), AZ Alkmaar (away), Dinamo Zagreb (home), Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium), Celta Vigo (home), Bournemouth (away), OFI Crete (home), and Besiktas (away).

Be'er Sheva's European campaign began in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, where they defeated Vikingur from Iceland and Red Star Belgrade. They came agonizingly close to a historic group stage qualification after winning 2-1 against Sabah in Romania but conceded a late goal in Baku 18 seconds before stoppage time ended. The match went into extra time, where Be'er Sheva lost 5-2, relegating them to the Europa League group stage.

The Europa League group matches will commence on September 16-17, 2026, and continue through January 28, 2027. The schedule includes eight rounds, with key fixtures such as hosting Juventus and Celta Vigo and away games against Bournemouth and Besiktas. This marks a significant chapter in Be'er Sheva's European journey as they aim to make a strong impact in the continent's secondary club competition.