Hapoel Tel Aviv Aims for Upset Against Atalanta in Conference League Playoff

Hapoel Tel Aviv is set to face Atalanta in an away match tonight at 21:30 Israel time, marking the first leg of the UEFA Conference League playoff. The Israeli club hopes to secure a favorable result to advance to the group stage of the competition. Approximately 1,000 Hapoel fans will travel to Bergamo for the match, with the return leg scheduled next week in Miskolc, Hungary.

Coach Aloniv Breda plans to maintain the same starting lineup that secured a 2-0 victory over Katowice, with Roy Alkukin continuing in the attacking midfield role after impressing early in the season. Breda acknowledged the challenge posed by Atalanta, praising their quality and the stature of their coach, Maurizio Sarri, who recently complimented Hapoel. Breda said, "We expect a very tough game at their home, but we will continue the good work we've done so far. The players understand the magnitude of the occasion and the opponent we face."

Despite recognizing the clear quality gap between the teams, Breda emphasized that Hapoel will approach the game without inferiority complex but will need an exceptional performance to achieve a positive result. Midfielder Omri Altman expressed confidence, stating, "We can get a good result and win any game. We are here to do our job and advance to the next stage." He also dismissed concerns about planned pro-Palestinian protests during the match, saying, "I only focus on football."

Atalanta will field their strongest available squad under Sarri, though they will be without key players Charles De Ketelaere and Onana. The expected lineups include Marco Carnesecchi in goal for Atalanta and Asaf Tzur for Hapoel Tel Aviv.

The match is a significant test for Hapoel Tel Aviv as they seek to overcome a formidable Serie A opponent and make history by reaching the Conference League group stage.