Hapoel Tel Aviv Praised for Strong Fan Support After European Return

Hapoel Tel Aviv marked its return to European football after a 12-year absence with a 2-0 victory over Ludogorets, drawing praise from the panel of the sports show Zion 3. Panelists including Yonatan Nimrodi, Moshe Ziyat, Itzik Shasho, and Or Amiga highlighted the team's performance and especially the presence of around 5,000 passionate fans who traveled to support the club. Nimrodi remarked that despite the long hiatus, Hapoel appeared as if it had never left European competition. Ziyat noted that while the team’s style may not always be aesthetically pleasing, the club’s ethos has remained consistent over the decades, recalling the defensive-minded teams of the 1990s and praising current coach Barada’s achievements.

The panel emphasized the significance of the win against Ludogorets, with Nimrodi calling it a major accomplishment and Shasho agreeing enthusiastically. The discussion then focused on the fanbase, with Ziyat calling the turnout of 5,000 supporters "amazing" and Shasho asserting that Hapoel’s fans have always been the best, unmatched by any other. Amiga humorously suggested that even if the team played in South America, the fans would still show up, reinforcing their reputation as the best supporters. Nimrodi praised the club, its fans, and staff for their efforts, while Shasho confidently ranked Hapoel’s fans as number one in Israel and abroad, with Ziyat jokingly placing them second only to Beitar Jerusalem.