Hapoel Be'er Sheva Secures Gritty 2-1 Win Over Sabah in Crucial Europa League Playoff

On August 20, 2026, Hapoel Be'er Sheva achieved a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Sabah FK in the Europa League playoff first leg, demonstrating resilience despite a less-than-fluent performance. The match, played away in Azerbaijan, highlighted Be'er Sheva's determination and tactical discipline rather than technical brilliance, with both goals coming from set-piece situations rather than open play.

Coach Alon Kozuch's leadership was pivotal, transforming a squad lacking local-born players and star power into a cohesive unit that fought tenaciously. The team showed strong defensive pressure, physicality, and mental toughness, which compensated for their offensive shortcomings and moments of defensive lapses. This victory was described as the most "Be'er Sheva-like" win possible, emphasizing heart and grit over style.

Sabah FK, a relatively young club celebrating its ninth anniversary soon, proved to be a challenging opponent, even taking the lead during the match and causing difficulties for Be'er Sheva. Despite being considered underdogs, Be'er Sheva's ability to overcome the Serbian powerhouse Red Star Belgrade earlier in the competition raised expectations, though the Azerbaijani side's quality ensures the upcoming second leg will be even tougher.

The article underscores the significance of small details and extra effort in securing wins at this level, praising Kozuch's ability to elevate players previously underestimated or overlooked. The team faces a challenging path ahead to reach the Champions League group stage, but this victory narrows the gap and boosts their confidence for the decisive return leg.

Summary: Hapoel Be'er Sheva defeated Sabah FK 2-1 in Azerbaijan in a gritty Europa League playoff match, relying on determination and tactical discipline under coach Alon Kozuch. Despite offensive struggles and a tough opponent, the win advances their hopes for Champions League qualification.