Hapoel Be'er Sheva Prepares for Red Star Belgrade Clash in Champions League Qualifier
Hapoel Be'er Sheva is gearing up for a crucial Champions League third qualifying round match against Serbia's Red Star Belgrade, scheduled for Tuesday at 20:30 in Hungary. After advancing past the previous stage and securing a spot in the European league phase, the Israeli champions see this as a historic opportunity. Players expressed confidence and motivation, acknowledging the challenge ahead and the need for everyone to perform at their best.
Coach Ran Kozuch faces a key decision in midfield to replace Kings Kangwa, who recently transferred to Panathinaikos. The main candidates are Eliel Peretz and Hamudi Kna'an, with Peretz likely to start. The rest of the lineup is mostly settled, with Itay Rotman set to make his debut in place of Jibril Diop. Zahi Ahmed and Javon East will continue on the wings, while Mohammad Abu Romi and Amir Ganah remain on the bench.
The club has yet to sign a foreign central defender before these matches and aims to do so before the next round, whether in the Champions League or Europa League. They also seek a midfielder to fill the void left by Kangwa, a key player in recent years. Approximately 150 fans will attend the away match, expected to be outnumbered by Red Star supporters. More fans are anticipated for the home leg next week at Red Star's Marakana stadium.
The probable starting lineup includes goalkeeper Ofir Marciano; defenders Guy Mizrahi, Itay Rotman, Miguel Vitor, and Matan Baltaksa; midfielders Lucas Ventura, Niv Yehoshua, and Eliel Peretz (or Hamudi Kna'an); and forwards Zahi Ahmed, Javon East, and Igor Zlatanovic.
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