Hapoel Be'er Sheva Secures European Group Stage Spot, Eyes Higher Ambitions

Hapoel Be'er Sheva took a significant step toward the UEFA Champions League group stage by overturning a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Icelandic side Vikingur, winning 2-0 in the return leg to advance to the third qualifying round. The Israeli champions have guaranteed themselves a place in a European group stage this season, with at least 10 more matches ahead, as they will enter the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage if they do not progress further in the Champions League qualifiers.

Coach Ran Kojukh expressed satisfaction with reaching the Conference League group stage but emphasized that the team's ambitions are higher. "We are very happy about the Conference League group stage, but our aspirations are beyond that," he said. Kojukh, who led the club to a Champions League qualifying round victory for the first time since 2018, acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting that they will face Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade next. "It won’t be easy; we will face excellent teams, but in football, anything can happen. We will be there, fight, be brave, and play our football. With God's help, we hope for more good surprises. That is our goal."

Red Star Belgrade, the next opponent, is considered the toughest remaining contender in the qualifiers, having recently defeated Northern Ireland’s Larne 9-0 on aggregate. The Serbian side includes Israeli legionnaire Mohammed Abu Fani, who is familiar with Be'er Sheva, and former Hapoel Tel Aviv player Louizos Louizo, who scored against Be'er Sheva last season.

Kojukh highlighted the unity of the club’s family, including players, staff, owner Alona, and especially the fans. "The fans are above all. They must understand the great responsibility they carry," he concluded.

Summary: Hapoel Be'er Sheva advanced to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League by defeating Vikingur and secured at least a European group stage spot this season. They will face Red Star Belgrade next, with ambitions to progress further. Coach Ran Kojukh emphasized the team's high aspirations and the crucial role of the fans.

Points: - Hapoel Be'er Sheva advanced to Champions League third qualifying round after beating Vikingur 2-0. - The club secured a European group stage spot, at minimum in the Europa Conference League. - Next opponent is Serbian champions Red Star Belgrade, featuring Israeli player Mohammed Abu Fani. - Coach Ran Kojukh aims to surpass the Conference League group stage and compete strongly. - Kojukh stressed the importance of unity among players, staff, owner, and fans.

Topic: sports israel_relevant: true entities: {"people": ["Ran Kojukh", "Mohammed Abu Fani", "Louizos Louizo", "Alona"], "organizations": ["Hapoel Be'er Sheva", "Vikingur", "Red Star Belgrade", "UEFA Champions League", "UEFA Europa Conference League"], "places": ["Iceland", "Serbia", "Northern Ireland"]}