Israeli Clubs Face Tough Opponents in UEFA Champions League and Conference League Qualifiers

Israeli football teams are set to begin their European campaigns this week in the second qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. The UEFA draws for the third qualifying round took place on Monday, outlining potential matchups for Israeli clubs if they advance.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva will play Iceland's Vikingur Reykjavik on Tuesday in the Champions League second qualifying round. If they progress, they are expected to face a challenging opponent: either Red Star Belgrade or Linfield, the Northern Ireland champions. The first legs of the third qualifying round are scheduled for August 4-5, with return legs on August 11.

In the Europa League, Maccabi Tel Aviv could face the winner of one of four ties if they overcome Sheriff Tiraspol in the second qualifying round. Possible opponents include St. Gallen (Switzerland) vs. Benfica (Portugal), Twente (Netherlands) vs. Ferencvaros (Hungary), and Qarabag (Azerbaijan) vs. CSKA Sofia (Bulgaria). Matches will be played on August 6 and 13.

In the Conference League, Hapoel Tel Aviv will face Ludogorets Razgrad (Bulgaria) in the second qualifying round. If successful, they could meet one of several teams including Panevezys (Lithuania) vs. Tobol (Kazakhstan) or Zilina (Slovakia) vs. Katowice (Poland), with first legs on August 20 and return legs on August 27.

Beitar Jerusalem will play AEK Larnaca in the Conference League second qualifying round. Should they advance, they might face winners from matches such as Spartak Trnava (Slovakia) vs. CSKA 1948 (Bulgaria) or Liepaja (Latvia) vs. Austria Vienna (Austria). These fixtures are also set for August 20 and 27.

This week marks the start of the European season for Israeli clubs, with important matches that could determine their path in continental competitions.