Hapoel Be'er Sheva Takes Commanding Lead Over Red Star Belgrade in Champions League Qualifiers

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is closing in on the UEFA Champions League playoff round after securing a 2-0 lead in the second leg against Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday. The team from southern Israel currently leads 3-0 on aggregate following a goalless first half that favored Be'er Sheva by maintaining their advantage from the first leg. The breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Igor Zlatanović scored, giving Be'er Sheva the lead in the match and significantly shifting the momentum. Red Star now faces the challenge of scoring two goals to level the aggregate score and keep their hopes alive, while Be'er Sheva aims to preserve their lead in the remaining minutes. Entering the second leg with a one-goal advantage, Be'er Sheva is poised to complete a double victory over the Serbian club and advance to the final playoff stage, the last step before the Champions League group stage. This moment is critical for the Negev-based club, as the ticket to the playoff round is firmly within their grasp.