Hapoel Be'er Sheva Becomes Favorite to Reach Champions League Group Stage After Red Star Win

Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured a significant 2-0 victory over Red Star Belgrade on August 11, 2026, completing a 3-0 aggregate win and advancing to the Champions League playoff round. This win puts the Israeli champions just two matches away from qualifying for the prestigious group stage of the tournament. According to updated Football Rankings analysis, Be'er Sheva is now favored with a 61% chance to advance past Sabah, their upcoming playoff opponent, who hold a 39% chance.

Be'er Sheva stands out as the only team among those completing the third qualifying round to upset a favored opponent, as Red Star was expected to progress. This upset shifted the overall predictions, making Be'er Sheva the new favorite to secure a Champions League group stage spot. Other favored teams from the third round maintained their expected progression, leaving the broader qualification landscape largely unchanged.

If Be'er Sheva succeeds in the playoff round in about two weeks, it will mark the first time in the club's history reaching the Champions League group stage. Previously, in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons, the club reached the playoffs but failed to advance further. This historic opportunity highlights the club's growth and potential on the European stage.