Hapoel Tel Aviv Eyes Tactical Upset Against Conference League Favorite Atalanta

Hapoel Tel Aviv prepares to face Atalanta in the UEFA Conference League playoff on August 20, 2026, entering as clear underdogs against one of the tournament favorites. Despite Atalanta's squad being valued at 24 times more than Hapoel's and featuring world-class players, Hapoel's coach Aloniv Breda and his team have shown promising form in recent matches against Ludogorets and Katowice. Football Meets Data estimates Hapoel's chances of advancing at 12%, but the game starts at 0-0, leaving room for tactical surprises.

Atalanta, coached by Maurizio Sarri who recently replaced Gian Piero Gasperini, will debut Sarri's 4-3-3 formation emphasizing zonal coverage and offside traps. Hapoel may exploit Atalanta's early-season fitness disadvantage by pressing aggressively in the opening minutes before retreating to a more defensive posture. A key tactical plan involves overloading Atalanta's right flank to create space for Hapoel's standout player, Turiel, on the opposite wing, potentially increasing his chances to create scoring opportunities.

Hapoel might also adopt a low block defensive setup with six players near their penalty area, aiming to neutralize Atalanta's strong midfield and attack, especially given Atalanta's injury absences on the wings. Creative formations, including a three-center-back system and pairing physical forwards like Boateng and Dafa, could disrupt Atalanta's defense and open space for wing players. Although Atalanta's bench depth is superior, Hapoel's tactical flexibility and recent performances suggest they could challenge the Italian side effectively.

The match represents a significant challenge for Hapoel Tel Aviv, but their recent tactical solutions and belief in their capabilities offer hope for a potential upset or at least a narrow victory. The second leg will take place in Miskolc after Hapoel enjoys a week of rest, while Atalanta plays Sassuolo on Sunday. The outcome will test whether Hapoel's strategic adjustments can overcome the quality gap against a top European club.