Red Star Belgrade Prepares for Crucial Champions League Clash with Hapoel Be'er Sheva

Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces a pivotal moment as they prepare for the first leg of their third qualifying round Champions League match against Red Star Belgrade on August 4, 2026. Red Star, the Serbian champions, are considered the toughest opponent Be'er Sheva could have drawn. The Serbian team includes Israeli-linked players Mohamed Abu Fani and Louizo, who have previously faced Israeli teams like Maccabi Haifa.

In Serbia, media coverage highlights the significance of the match, describing it as a "battle that can change everything" with Red Star's sole objective being to reach the Champions League group stage. Red Star's coach, Dejan Stanković, emphasized the need to stay focused, prevent fast breaks, and impose their playing rhythm, noting the opponent's aggressive high-press style.

Compared to their previous European fixture against Northern Ireland's Glentoran, where Red Star rested key players, Stanković plans to field his strongest lineup against Be'er Sheva, with no injury concerns. Six changes are expected from the last European game, with Marco Arnautović and Louizo starting on the bench, while Abu Fani is likely to start.

Serbian media also pointed out that Be'er Sheva lost former star Kings Kangwa, which could be an advantage for Red Star. Although Red Star's squad quality appears superior on paper, they must prove it on the pitch to secure a favorable result ahead of the second leg and continue their Champions League qualification campaign.