Hapoel Be'er Sheva Prepares for Crucial Champions League Qualifier with Pedro Amador Starting

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to face Red Star Belgrade in the second leg of the third qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first match. The Israeli champions completed their preparations at the Marakana Stadium, where around 53,000 spectators are expected. The team arrived early to acclimate, including a tour through the famous tunnel.

Coach Ran Kazu'ach plans only one change to the starting lineup compared to the previous game: Pedro Amador will make his debut in the starting eleven, replacing Matan Baltaksa, who was suspended. The rest of the squad remains unchanged, with Zahi Ahmed continuing to play due to his excellent form and recent goals. The attacking line will feature Igor Zlatanovic, participating in a local derby, and Javon East, who is still seeking his first goal this season.

In defense, Itay Rotman is preferred over Jibril Diop in central defense alongside veteran Miguel Vitor, while Eliel Peretz is expected to keep his starting spot. Beyond tactical preparations, Kazu'ach emphasized the mental aspect, urging players to "believe" in their ability to make history. The team acknowledges the challenge but is confident and motivated to advance.

No penalty shootout practice was conducted, and about 300 Hapoel Be'er Sheva fans will support the team from the stands. The probable lineup includes goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, defenders Guy Mizrahi, Miguel Vitor, Itay Rotman, and Pedro Amador; midfielders Lucas Ventura, Niv Yehoshua, and Eliel Peretz; forwards Javon East, Zahi Ahmed, and Igor Zlatanovic.