Hapoel Tel Aviv Focuses on Team Spirit Over Budget Ahead of Conference League Playoff vs Atalanta

Hapoel Tel Aviv returns to European competition after a 12-year absence, facing Atalanta in the Conference League playoff on Thursday. The Israeli club, led by coach Aliniv Breda, acknowledges the significant gap in squad value, with Atalanta's roster worth 447 million euros compared to Hapoel's 13 million. Despite this disparity, Breda urges his players to set aside budget differences and star names, focusing solely on the match and maintaining belief throughout the 90 minutes. The club hopes a strong result in the first leg will shift pressure onto the Italian side ahead of the second match.

Breda and his staff are well aware of Atalanta's quality and key players, including Giorgio Scalvini, Marten de Roon, Ederson, and Gianluca Scamacca. Nevertheless, Hapoel's approach is to play their own game and trust in the possibility of an upset. On the injury front, Douglas Aveso, who is not fully fit, is expected to start on the bench, while Omri Altman, recovering from a sprain sustained in the semifinal, is likely to participate despite the injury.

This match marks a significant moment for Hapoel Tel Aviv as they seek to create new memorable European nights after years of absence, aiming to challenge a much stronger opponent with determination and team spirit.