Hapoel Be'er Sheva Hosts Vikingur in Champions League Qualifier with Key Players Returning

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is currently playing against Icelandic team Vikingur in Hungary in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. The match takes place in Szombathely, Hungary, where about 300 Be'er Sheva fans have traveled to support the team. Be'er Sheva aims to overturn the 2-1 deficit from the first leg and advance to the group stage of the prestigious tournament.

Coach Ran Kozuch made notable changes to the starting lineup, reinstating Matan Baltaxa and Zahi Ahmed, who did not start in Iceland. Aliel Peretz remains on the bench again, as the coach hopes for a more aggressive and precise performance following a lackluster first match. This game also marks the farewell appearance of Kings Kangwa for Be'er Sheva before his transfer to Panathinaikos.

The starting lineup for Hapoel Be'er Sheva includes goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, defenders Guy Mizrahi, Jibril Diop, Miguel Vitor, and Matan Baltaxa; midfielders Lucas Ventura, Niv Yehoshua, Kings Kangwa, and Zahi Ahmed; and forwards Javon East and Igor Zlatanovic. Vikingur's lineup features Aron Fridriksson in goal and players such as Karl-Friedlipur Gunarsson and Aron Elis Thrandarson.

The match outcome will determine if Be'er Sheva can continue their Champions League journey, with the team under pressure to improve after their initial performance.