Hapoel Be'er Sheva Triumphs Over Vikingur to Advance in European Competition

Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured a 2-0 victory against Vikingur in their second leg match on Wednesday, overturning the previous week's loss to the Icelandic champions. The team faced significant pressure playing away in Hungary but managed to keep a clean sheet and score twice, ensuring qualification at least for the UEFA Conference League. This marks a return to European competition alongside the Israeli Premier League after three years, with hopes still alive for a Champions League berth.

In the upcoming third qualifying round, Be'er Sheva will face Red Star Belgrade. The club acknowledges the challenge ahead, expecting to enter as underdogs without the pressure they faced against Vikingur. The team remains optimistic, with club representatives urging to "keep dreaming and believing" in their European campaign.

Coach Ran Kozuch made key tactical decisions, including starting winger Zahy Ahmad, who scored the opening goal with a header and contributed both offensively and defensively throughout the match. Captain Miguel Vitor delivered one of his best performances in defense, reminiscent of his prime years. Substitute defender Itay Rotman, who replaced the injured Jibril Diop, impressed fans by playing through a head injury.

Further substitutions included Eliel Peretz and Amir Ganah, who helped control midfield and flank play respectively, with Ganah scoring the second goal. Meanwhile, Kings Kangwa, who is departing the club, had a relatively quiet game. Players Lucas Ventura and Igor Zlatanovic will need to improve to boost the team's chances against Red Star.

Be'er Sheva also announced the signing of Portuguese left-back Pedro Amador on a four-year contract, who is expected to debut in the upcoming matches against Red Star Belgrade.