Hapoel Tel Aviv Returns to European Competition Facing Ludogorets in Conference League Qualifier

After a 12-year absence from European tournaments, Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to return to the international stage on July 23, 2026, facing Bulgarian club Ludogorets in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. Ahead of the match, Hapoel's head coach, Aliniv Breda, described Ludogorets as a team playing at a Champions League level, making analysis difficult especially with their new coach. Breda expressed regret that the match cannot be hosted in Tel Aviv but remains confident in the support from traveling fans and emphasized the need for his team to improve to secure a positive result.

Midfielder Omri Altman also spoke about the significance of the occasion, highlighting the excitement of playing in Europe again after many years. He expects the team to feel at home with 6,000 to 7,000 supporters present and stressed the players' determination to demonstrate their strength and progress the club's development. Altman acknowledged the limited European experience among the squad but expressed confidence in their ambition to advance further in the competition.

The match marks a crucial step for Hapoel Tel Aviv as they aim to build on their domestic success and re-establish themselves on the European football scene. Both Breda and Altman emphasized focusing on their own game plan and improving performance to achieve a favorable outcome against a strong opponent.