Hapoel Tel Aviv Prepares for European Return Against Ludogorets After 12 Years

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to face Bulgarian club Ludogorets in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers on Thursday, marking the club's return to European competition after a 12-year absence. The excitement within the club is palpable, with around 5,000 fans expected to support the team, including a planned march to the stadium in Miskolc following a pyrotechnic show in central Budapest.

Coach Aloniv Breda appears ready to maintain the same starting lineup that played against Beitar Jerusalem last Saturday, favoring Emmanuel Boateng and Shanda Silva over Daniel Dappa and Mor Buskila. The club is also working to boost the morale of left-back Doron Leidner, who was substituted early in the previous match. With no new senior forward signed yet, expectations are high for midfielder Satu Turiel to take a leading role.

The probable lineup includes Asaf Tzur in goal; defenders Marcus Coco, Chico, Fernan Mayembo, and Doron Leidner; midfielders Adrian Kraviev, Palko, and Omri Altman; and forwards Satu Turiel, Shanda Silva, and Emmanuel Boateng. The club and fans alike emphasize the significance of this European campaign and the hard work invested to reach this moment.