Hapoel Tel Aviv Advances to Conference League Playoffs, Prepares for Atalanta Clash

Hapoel Tel Aviv has made a remarkable rise from Israel's second division to the UEFA Conference League playoffs within just two years. Moiz Safra, son of the club's American billionaire owner Edmond Safra, expressed gratitude on Twitter to the team and staff for their achievement. The club, which played in Israel's National League two seasons ago, will face Italian Serie A club Atalanta next week, a team accustomed to Champions League competition despite finishing seventh in Italy.

After a 13-year absence from European tournaments, Hapoel celebrated their qualification with fans following their recent matches against Polish side Katowice. Despite a 2-1 loss in Poland, the team advanced on aggregate, with standout performances from Stav Toriel, who scored two of the three goals. The club acknowledged a poor first half and a late collapse that led to conceding two goals in seven minutes, including a penalty caused by captain Fernan Mayembo's error. Coach Aloniv Breda noted the team lost focus late but was pleased to progress.

The squad is undergoing adjustments, with new signing Douglas Avaso not yet fielded but expected to debut against Atalanta. Meanwhile, midfielder Shanda Silva may be released if a replacement is found. The club is also seeking a backup left-back, monitoring developments around Yehav Gurfinkel from AEK Larnaca. Security concerns arose during the match in Poland, where Hapoel fans were threatened by hostile local supporters, prompting protective measures coordinated by Israeli security officials.

Due to the European campaign, Hapoel's opening Israeli Premier League match has been postponed. The team will next face Hapoel Kiryat Shmona in the Toto Cup semi-final in Netanya, a sold-out event. Coach Breda plans significant rotation to rest key players ahead of the crucial playoff match in Bergamo on Thursday.