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 UEFA Champions League third qualifying round, completing a 3-0 aggregate win. This result advances the Israeli champions to the playoff round, where they will face Azerbaijan's Sabah FC.

Coach Ran Kozuch expressed immense pride in his team's achievement, calling it "amazing" and praising the players' response to pressure. He highlighted the team's ball movement under opponent pressure and noted the scoreline could have been higher, though he modestly refrained from pushing for more goals. Kozuch also emphasized the importance of balancing commitments between the Toto Cup and the Champions League, urging responsibility and focus on both competitions.

Regarding fan support for the upcoming playoff, Kozuch acknowledged the club's efforts to facilitate attendance and called on supporters to show up in large numbers. Shinu Zohar, chairman of the Israeli Football Association, congratulated Hapoel Be'er Sheva on their historic achievement and praised the club's staff, owner Alona Barkat, players, and fans for their dedication, especially during the away match in Serbia. He expressed continued support and optimism for the club's Champions League journey.