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 to play 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 clubs like Maccabi Haifa.

Red Star's coach, Dejan Stanković, emphasized the importance of controlling the game pace and preventing quick counterattacks, stating, "We will try to stay focused, prevent their fast transitions, and impose our rhythm." Serbian media described the match as a "battle that could change everything," with Red Star aiming solely to reach the Champions League group stage.

Unlike their previous European match against Northern Ireland's Glenavon, where key players were rested, Stanković plans to field his strongest lineup against Be'er Sheva, with six changes expected from the last European game. Notably, star players Marko Arnautović and Louizo will start on the bench, while Abu Fani is expected to be in the starting eleven.

The Serbian media also highlighted that Be'er Sheva lost their former star Kings Kangwa, which could be an advantage for Red Star. Although Red Star is favored on paper due to squad quality, they must prove it on the pitch to secure a positive result ahead of the second leg and the ongoing battle for Champions League qualification.