Hapoel Be'er Sheva Wins First Leg Playoff Against Sabah in Champions League Qualifiers

Hapoel Be'er Sheva secured a 2-1 victory over Azerbaijan's Sabah in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round on Wednesday. Despite conceding an early goal to Slobodan Simic in the 6th minute, the Israeli champions rallied with goals from Javon East just before halftime and Igor Zlatanovic in the 79th minute to complete the comeback. The win gives Be'er Sheva an important advantage heading into the second leg, scheduled for next Tuesday in Azerbaijan, where away goals will not count.

Be'er Sheva entered the match as favorites after eliminating Red Star Belgrade in the previous round but initially struggled against Sabah. This victory brings the Israeli club closer to qualifying for the Champions League group stage for the first time in its history. Previously, Be'er Sheva was eliminated twice in the playoff round by Celtic and Maribor. Qualification would guarantee the team at least eight matches in Europe's premier club competition and the opportunity to face top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester City.