Israeli Football Clubs Enter 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 set to be drawn today (Monday, August 3) in the European competition playoffs, determining their paths in the upcoming season. The draws, starting at 13:00, will impact their chances in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces Red Star Belgrade in the third qualifying round on August 4 and 11. If they advance, 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 teams like Čelče, Ararat, and Viking. Failure to advance will place them unseeded in the Europa League playoffs, with a fallback to the Conference League if they lose again. Be'er Sheva has already secured 3.17 million euros and can earn an additional 4.31 million euros by progressing further.

Maccabi Tel Aviv will play CSKA Sofia on August 6 and 13. A win guarantees entry into the Europa League group stage and a seeded position in the playoffs, with possible opponents including Red Star Belgrade and other European clubs. A loss relegates them to the Conference League playoffs unseeded, facing a wide range of teams such as Atalanta and Monaco. Maccabi has secured 750,000 euros so far, with potential earnings rising to 3.17 million euros upon advancement.

Beitar Jerusalem and Hapoel Tel Aviv both face third qualifying round matches on August 6 and 13 against Austria Vienna and Katowice, respectively. If they advance, both will enter the Conference League playoffs unseeded, with a broad pool of possible opponents including Ajax, Gent, and Salzburg. Failure to progress means elimination from European competition. Both clubs have guaranteed 550,000 euros, increasing to 750,000 euros if they advance.

The draws will also determine the next opponents for Maccabi Tel Aviv and Be'er Sheva in case of wins or losses, as both clubs will be drawn twice to prepare for either scenario. This comprehensive setup highlights the high stakes and financial incentives for Israeli clubs aiming to make historic progress in European football this season.