Israeli Football Clubs Face Crucial European Playoff Draws with Big Stakes

Four Israeli football clubs, Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Beitar Jerusalem, and Hapoel Tel Aviv, are preparing for the European competition playoff draws scheduled for Monday, August 3, starting at 13:00. These draws will determine their opponents in the next stages of the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League qualifiers.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces Red Star Belgrade in the third qualifying round on August 4 and 11. If Be'er Sheva advances, they will be seeded in the playoff round with a strong chance to reach the Champions League group stage. Potential opponents include winners from matches involving clubs like Čelče, Ararat, and Viking. If they lose, they drop to the Europa League playoff round unseeded, with possible opponents such as Benfica, Rangers, and Salzburg. Be'er Sheva has already secured 3.17 million euros from UEFA and can earn an additional 4.31 million euros by advancing.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will play CSKA Sofia on August 6 and 13. A win guarantees a spot in the Europa League group stage, with Maccabi seeded in the playoff round. Possible opponents include Red Star Belgrade (if they lose to Be'er Sheva), St. Truiden, and Trabzonspor. If they lose, Maccabi will enter the Conference League playoff round unseeded, facing a wide range of teams including Atalanta, Monaco, and Ajax. Maccabi has secured 750,000 euros so far and can increase this to 3.17 million euros by advancing.

Beitar Jerusalem meets Austria Vienna on August 6 and 13. If they advance, they enter the Conference League playoff round unseeded, with potential opponents including Atalanta, Freiburg, and Brighton. Failure to advance means elimination from European competition. Beitar has earned 550,000 euros, rising to 750,000 if they progress.

Hapoel Tel Aviv faces Katowice from Poland on August 6 and 13. Similar to Beitar, advancing leads to the Conference League playoff round unseeded, with a comparable list of possible opponents. Failure results in European elimination. Hapoel Tel Aviv has also secured 550,000 euros, increasing to 750,000 upon advancement.

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Be'er Sheva will be drawn twice to determine their paths depending on wins or losses, ensuring clarity on their potential opponents in both scenarios. All four clubs are eager to capitalize on these opportunities to secure European football and the associated financial rewards for the upcoming season.