Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Prepares for Tough Champions League Return Against Red Star

Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured a significant 1-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round on August 4, 2026. The match took place in Belgrade, and the win gives the Israeli champions an advantage heading into the return leg at the Marakana stadium in about a week. Coach Ran Kozuch praised his players for their resilience, especially after midfielder Matan Baltaksa received a red card around the 50th minute, forcing the team to endure a challenging period.

Kozuch emphasized the difficulty of the tie, noting that the contest is only halfway through and could extend to extra time or penalties. He stressed the importance of playing their own style of football in the upcoming match by maintaining high pressing, courage, and ball movement, areas he felt were lacking in the first game. He also highlighted the need for sacrifice to overcome Red Star's quality.

Regarding the squad's future, Kozuch acknowledged that the team is undergoing a rebuilding phase but remains ambitious and hungry for success. He expressed confidence in the players' ability to advance the club further. Addressing the fans, he described the Marakana as one of the toughest stadiums in Europe and promised that the team would give their all to progress, calling it a big dream he wants to fulfill with the squad.