Hapoel Tel Aviv Holds Atalanta to 0-0 in Conference League Playoff First Leg

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a goalless draw against Italian side Atalanta in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League playoff on Thursday. After overcoming Ludogorets and Katowice in earlier rounds, Hapoel Tel Aviv, coached by Eliniv Breda, faced a significantly tougher challenge against the Serie A team. Breda emphasized confidence to his players ahead of the match, with midfielder Omri Altman stating at a press conference that the team aims to win rather than just enjoy the experience.

Breda fielded the same starting eleven that had achieved recent European successes, including Roi Elkukin in the number 10 role and Emmanuel Boateng leading the attack. Atalanta, managed by Maurizio Sarri, was missing Charles De Ketelaere and Hans Hateboer but featured key players such as Aderson, Nicola Zalewski, and Giacomo Raspadori.

The lineups were as follows: Atalanta started with Marco Carnesecchi in goal, supported by Raul Bellanova, Odilon Kossounou, Giorgio Scalvini, Lorenzo Brancolini, Lazar Samardzic, Gianluca Gaetano, Aderson, Nicola Zalewski, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giacomo Raspadori. Hapoel Tel Aviv's lineup included Asaf Tzur, Marcus Coco, Fernan Mayembo, Chico, Doron Leidner, Falcao, Adrian Krayev, Roi Elkukin, Douglas Aveso, Satu Turiel, and Emmanuel Boateng.

The match ended 0-0, leaving the tie open for the second leg scheduled for next week in Hungary, where Hapoel Tel Aviv hopes to secure qualification to the group stage. The team remains optimistic following their strong performances in the qualifying rounds and aims to continue their European campaign with a positive result in the return fixture.