Hapoel Be'er Sheva Could Face Aarhus or Sabah in Champions League Playoff

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to face either Danish club Aarhus or Azerbaijani team Sabah in the UEFA Champions League playoff if they manage to eliminate Red Star Belgrade. The draw for the Champions League playoff round took place on Monday, August 3, 2026, revealing the potential path for the Israeli cup holders. The first leg against Red Star Belgrade is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 20:30 in Hungary.

Be'er Sheva, coached by Ran Kojukh, secured at least a spot in the UEFA Conference League group stage after defeating Icelandic side Vikingur. They will be seeded in the playoff round due to Red Star's higher European coefficient, provided they overcome the Serbian champions. Aarhus, a top Danish league team last season, and Sabah, a rising force in Azerbaijani football with growing European experience, represent strong opponents for Be'er Sheva's historic bid to reach the Champions League group stage for the first time.

If Be'er Sheva loses to Red Star, they will enter the UEFA Europa League playoff round, where they are set to face Czech club Viktoria Plzen. The upcoming two-legged tie against Red Star is the critical hurdle for Be'er Sheva's European ambitions this season.