Hapoel Tel Aviv Advances in Conference League After Draw with Ludogorets, Boateng Scores Twice

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured their place in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League on July 30, 2026, after a 2-2 draw away against Ludogorets Razgrad, advancing 4-2 on aggregate. This marks the club's return to European competition after a 12-year absence. The team had won the first leg in Hungary and managed to hold off a strong Bulgarian side in a challenging away fixture.

Coach Aloniv Breda praised his players' commitment, rating it "100 out of 100," while acknowledging the tough draw against one of the highest-ranked teams in the competition, second only to Ajax. Breda highlighted the team's resilience, especially after conceding two goals within seven minutes, and expressed confidence in further improvements ahead of their next opponent, Polish club Katowice. He also thanked the fans who traveled to Bulgaria, noting their support created a home-like atmosphere despite the away setting.

Emmanuel Boateng was the standout player, scoring both goals for Hapoel Tel Aviv. He expressed gratitude for the victory against a tough opponent and shared an emotional reflection on his personal struggles following his father's passing, saying it was a moving moment to score under such circumstances. Boateng emphasized the team's hard work and deserved progression in the tournament.

Looking forward, Breda stressed the importance of avoiding mistakes in Europe and preparing thoroughly for the upcoming match against Katowice, anticipating another difficult challenge. The club celebrated their achievement but remains focused on continuing their European campaign successfully.