Hapoel Tel Aviv Advances in Conference League After 2-2 Draw with Ludogorets

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a 2-2 draw against Ludogorets in Razgrad on July 30, 2026, completing a 4-2 aggregate victory to advance to the third round of the UEFA Conference League. This marks a significant milestone for the club, which has endured years of relegations, ownership changes, and struggles that distanced it from its historic status in Israeli football. The team’s success is highlighted by a brace from Kevin-Prince Boateng, who scored in the 16th and 56th minutes, and a crucial penalty save by goalkeeper Zor Daph.

The contrasting coaching situations were notable: Ludogorets entered the tie with a coach appointed just 11 days before the first leg, still trying to build cohesion, while Hapoel Tel Aviv’s coach, Eliniv Breda, continued the development he began after taking charge in Hodorov. Breda has successfully guided the club back to the Israeli Premier League and is now steering them toward their first European group stage appearance since the 2012/13 season.

This achievement is a hopeful sign for Israeli football, as Hapoel Tel Aviv moves closer to reestablishing itself on the continental stage after a long period of challenges and rebuilding.