Hapoel Be'er Sheva Faces Dynamo Zagreb in Europa League Amidst Squad Woes

Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel's sole representative in European club competitions for the 2026/27 season, begins its Europa League campaign tonight by 'hosting' Dynamo Zagreb in Bucharest. The new format sees 36 teams playing eight matches, with the top eight advancing to the knockout stage and teams ranked 9-24 entering a playoff round.

This encounter evokes memories of a traumatic 2018 Champions League qualifier against the same Croatian opponent, where goalkeeper Yiannis Anestis conceded five goals in a heavy defeat, effectively ending his tenure with the club. Hapoel Be'er Sheva enters this match facing a crisis and a poor start to the season, having been dramatically eliminated from Champions League qualifying and securing only two wins in four league games.

The team is severely depleted, particularly in defense and midfield. Key defenders Itay Rotman and Djibril Diop are injured and suspended, respectively. In midfield, Lucas Ventura is injured, and Eliel Peretz is suspended. The availability of Amankwah Forson, who recently started, is uncertain, while Itay Hazut has been left out of the European squad. Hamudi Kna'an, who impressed with a goal and assist after replacing Hazut, may start, as might Zahi Ahmed in midfield.

Despite the challenges, 21-year-old Niv Yehoshua is expected to anchor the midfield. Having played in the second division last season, Yehoshua has emerged as a standout summer signing and is now tasked with filling the void left by Ventura and departed player King's Kangwa. His performance in the Europa League against a stronger opponent will be a significant test.

Only a few hundred Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans are expected to attend the match in Bucharest, potentially outnumbered by Dynamo Zagreb supporters. The game will be officiated by an English refereeing team, including John Brooks, who was involved in recent Premier League controversies.