Hapoel Tel Aviv Focuses on Performance Over Budget Ahead of Conference League Playoff Against Atalanta

Hapoel Tel Aviv returns to European competition after a 12-year absence, facing Atalanta in the Conference League playoff on Thursday. The club recalls historic matches against top European teams but acknowledges the significant gap in squad value, with Atalanta's roster worth 447 million euros compared to Hapoel's 13 million. Despite this disparity, coach Aloniv Breda has urged his players to set aside budget differences and star names, focusing solely on the game and maintaining belief throughout the full 90 minutes. The team aims to secure a strong result in the first leg to shift pressure onto the Italian side ahead of the second match. Breda and his staff recognize the quality of Atalanta's squad, including key players Giorgio Scalvini, Marten de Roon, Ederson, and Gianluca Scamacca, but emphasize playing their own football with confidence. On the injury front, Douglas Aveso, not fully fit, is expected to start on the bench, while Omri Altman, who missed the semifinal due to a sprain, remains doubtful but likely to participate. The club's message is clear: focus on the game itself rather than external factors as they seek a memorable European night.