Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem Prepares for Historic UEFA Women’s Champions League Debut Against PAOK Thessaloniki

Hapoel Katamon Jerusalem’s women’s team is set to make its first-ever appearance in the UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers following their historic win of the Israeli Women’s Premier League title. The club, founded six years ago, secured the championship for the first time in its history, earning the right to compete in Europe. Their opening match is scheduled for Wednesday at 18:30 against Greek champions PAOK Thessaloniki in a mini knockout tournament format.

The team retained most of its championship-winning roster, losing only two players, Ziv Rot Hazan and Hadas Morin. They bolstered their squad with notable signings including Daniela Solera, goalkeeper of the Costa Rican national team and a 2023 World Cup participant, and Brazilian forward Raiza, who has experience in the Israeli league. Israeli talents Ella Ben Tzvi and Tal Feingezicht also joined the squad this summer. The team traveled to Greece on Monday with an 18-player roster.

The qualifiers involve a mini-tournament where Katamon will face PAOK in the semifinals, with the winner advancing to face either Neftchi Baku or Buducnost in the final for a spot in the next round against Hungarian club Ferencvaros. PAOK Thessaloniki is a dominant force in Greek women’s football, having won 19 championships in the last 21 years and boasting a strong defense and top scorer Minela Gacinza.

Coach Tzach Sharoni expressed great excitement and confidence ahead of the match, emphasizing the team’s hard work and readiness. He highlighted the club’s optimal preparation conditions and the players’ hunger to make history. The match will take place at the municipal stadium in Veria, about 75 km from Thessaloniki, with an anticipated historic turnout of Israeli women’s football fans abroad.

Katamon’s focus remains solely on PAOK, with the coaching staff preparing intensively for the two upcoming matches. The team aims for victory and is ready to work hard and endure challenges on the pitch to achieve their goal.