Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Ran Kozuch Proud After Champions League Playoff Qualification

Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured a 2-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday in the second leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. This win completed a 3-0 aggregate triumph, advancing the Israeli champions to the playoff round where they will face Azerbaijani club Sabah.

Coach Ran Kozuch expressed immense pride in his team's performance, calling the achievement "amazing" and praising the players' maturity and responsibility in managing two competitions simultaneously, including the Toto Cup and Champions League. He noted the team’s tactical discipline under pressure and believed the scoreline could have been even higher.

Kozuch also highlighted the club's efforts to improve the matchday experience for fans ahead of the playoff stage, urging supporters to attend in large numbers. Meanwhile, Shinu Zohar, chairman of the Israel Football Association, congratulated Hapoel Be'er Sheva on their historic progress, commending the coaching staff, owner Alona Barkat, players, and fans for their support, especially during the away match in Serbia.

The club now prepares for the crucial playoff round, one step away from the Champions League group stage, a milestone with significant implications for Israeli football.