Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv Battle for Conference League Spots Against Strong European Opponents

Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv are competing in crucial playoff matches for places in the UEFA Conference League, the third-tier European club competition. Maccabi Tel Aviv faces a tough challenge against Swiss club Lugano, which finished third in the Swiss league last season. Maccabi was recently eliminated from the Europa League by Bulgaria's CSKA Sofia. Lugano holds an advantage as the Swiss league is already in its third round, while Israel has only played Toto Cup matches so far.

Hapoel Tel Aviv, having advanced past Katowice in the previous round, now faces Italian Serie A side Atalanta, which finished seventh last season and won the Europa League in 2023. Atalanta is considered a significantly stronger team compared to Hapoel.

Meanwhile, Hapoel Be'er Sheva is close to qualifying for the Champions League after a 2-1 home victory over Azerbaijan's Sabail. Despite Sabail scoring early, Be'er Sheva turned the game around and gained a slight advantage ahead of the second leg in Azerbaijan next week.

Hapoel Tel Aviv remains 90 minutes away from a historic Champions League qualification. If they are eliminated, they will still enter the Europa League, ensuring European competition for the season until Hanukkah.