Hapoel Tel Aviv Stuns Atalanta With Tactical Defensive Masterclass in Bergamo

Hapoel Tel Aviv delivered a remarkable defensive performance against Atalanta in their UEFA Europa League qualifier first leg on August 20, 2026, securing a 0-0 draw in Bergamo. Despite Atalanta controlling 62% of possession and being heavy favorites, they struggled to create meaningful chances, registering only five shots on target and an expected goals (xG) of 0.75. Hapoel's goalkeeper Asaf Tzur was solid, but the defensive strategy went beyond just goalkeeping heroics.

Coach Eliniv Breda’s tactical setup featured Omri Altman in a deep midfield role, effectively congesting Atalanta’s left flank where they attempted most of their attacks. Defenders Marcus Coco and Fernan Mayembo excelled in duels, winning the majority of their ground and aerial battles, successfully neutralizing Atalanta’s key winger Gianluca Raspadori and striker Gianluca Scamacca. The Israeli side’s disciplined defensive block allowed them to absorb pressure without resorting to a bunker mentality.

Atalanta, missing important wing players due to injuries, failed to break down Hapoel’s compact defense. Coach Maurizio Sarri fielded a similar formation to a recent friendly, but the team’s inability to exploit spaces or execute effective one-on-one plays on the wings was evident. Hapoel’s defensive resilience and intensity throughout the 90 minutes gave them confidence ahead of the second leg in Hungary.

While Hapoel can regret a missed chance by Kevin-Prince Boateng, their performance is hailed as one of the greatest by an Israeli club in European competition. The team’s ability to dominate duels and maintain tactical discipline against a top Serie A side highlights their potential to advance. The upcoming return leg will be challenging, especially if Atalanta’s injured wingers return, but Hapoel’s display in Bergamo sets a strong foundation.

Summary: Hapoel Tel Aviv held Atalanta to a 0-0 draw in Bergamo on August 20, 2026, with a disciplined defensive strategy that limited Atalanta’s chances despite their possession dominance. Key defensive performances and tactical roles, especially by Omri Altman, Marcus Coco, and Fernan Mayembo, helped Hapoel secure a positive result ahead of the second leg.

Points: - Hapoel Tel Aviv drew 0-0 with Atalanta in the Europa League qualifier first leg in Bergamo. - Atalanta held 62% possession but managed only five shots on target and an xG of 0.75. - Omri Altman’s deep midfield role and strong defense from Coco and Mayembo shut down Atalanta’s wing attacks. - Hapoel won most ground (35/64) and aerial (8/13) duels against the Italian side. - Coach Eliniv Breda’s tactical setup prevented Atalanta from creating dangerous chances. - The result gives Hapoel confidence ahead of the second leg, despite Atalanta’s injury concerns.

Topic: sports israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people": ["Omri Altman", "Marcus Coco", "Fernan Mayembo", "Asaf Tzur", "Eliniv Breda", "Maurizio Sarri", "Gianluca Raspadori", "Gianluca Scamacca", "Kevin-Prince Boateng"], "organizations": ["Hapoel Tel Aviv", "Atalanta"], "places": ["Bergamo", "Hungary"]}