Hapoel Tel Aviv Starts Conference League Qualifiers Against Ludogorets with Boateng Leading Attack

Hapoel Tel Aviv is playing its first leg match against Ludogorets at the DVTK Stadium in Miskolc, Hungary, on Thursday evening as part of the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. This marks Hapoel's return to European competition after a 12-year absence, with hopes to advance beyond the early stages. Over 5,000 fans traveled to support the team, which recently won a penalty shootout 3-1 against Beitar Jerusalem in the Toto Cup following a 2-2 draw in regular time.

Coach Aloniv Breda has maintained the same starting lineup from the recent European match against Beitar Jerusalem. The offensive front features Emmanuel Boateng and Shanda Silva, with Omri Altman positioned in an attacking midfield role. Midfielders Radamel Falcao and Andrian Kraiev are expected to control the central field. Ludogorets, who lost their Bulgarian league title after 14 consecutive wins and field 10 foreign players, have Idan Nachmias on their bench.

Hapoel Tel Aviv's starting lineup includes Asaf Tzur, Marcus Coco, Fernan Mayembo, Chico, Doron Leidner, Falcao, Andrian Kraiev, Omri Altman, Satu Toriel, Shanda Silva, and Emmanuel Boateng. Ludogorets' lineup features Hendrik Bonmann, Son, Edwin Kurtulus, Anton Nedyalkov, Vinicius Nogueira, Rowan Sku, Filip Kalutz, Agibu Kamara, Petar Stanić, Alberto Salido, and Yves Eric Billa. The teams aim to secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg in Bulgaria next week.