Israeli Clubs and Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr Return to Action as MLS Resumes Without Messi
Following the conclusion of the World Cup, club football returns to the spotlight this week with several key matches involving Israeli teams, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, and Major League Soccer (MLS) action.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva begins its European campaign tonight at 22:00 against Icelandic champions Vikingur Reykjavik in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. The return leg will be held in Israel on July 29. Notably, the winner will face the victor between Larne and Red Star Belgrade in the next round. Vikingur’s squad includes former Premier League player Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr will face Portuguese giants Benfica in a friendly match tomorrow at 20:00. This game marks Ronaldo’s return to Portugal, where he started his career with Sporting Lisbon, Benfica’s rival. The lineup has not been announced, so Ronaldo’s playing time remains uncertain.
In MLS, Inter Miami resumes play after the World Cup break with a home game against Chicago on the night between Wednesday and Thursday at 02:30. Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to the World Cup final, will be rested and is expected to miss this match and the following one against Montreal. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, recently acquired by Chicago, is likely to make his debut. Inter Miami ended the pre-break period with a thrilling 6-4 win over Philadelphia, featuring a hat-trick from Luis Suarez.
Israeli club Beitar Jerusalem will play away against AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round first leg, with the return leg scheduled for July 30. Meanwhile, Hapoel Tel Aviv hosts Bulgarian side Ludogorets in the same competition and round at 21:30, aiming to secure a home advantage before the away leg on July 30.
Inter Miami faces a demanding schedule with two games in four days, traveling to Montreal on the night between Saturday and Sunday at 02:30. Messi’s absence due to rest after the World Cup means the team must rely on other players to maintain momentum in the second half of the MLS season.
