Hapoel Tel Aviv Shuts Down Atalanta in 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, in Bergamo, securing a 0-0 draw. 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 was the key factor in neutralizing Atalanta’s attack.

Coach Eliniv Breda’s tactical setup featured Omri Altman playing a deeper midfield role, effectively congesting Atalanta’s left flank alongside Adrian Krayev and Chico. This defensive block limited Atalanta’s wing play, especially against Gianluca Raspadori, who was closely marked by Marcus Coco and Fernan Mayembo. Coco won eight of twelve duels, while Mayembo excelled physically, helping to disrupt Atalanta’s rhythm. This defensive discipline prevented Atalanta from building sustained attacks despite their possession dominance.

Atalanta’s lineup was affected by injuries to key wingers Charles De Ketelaere and Meladin Solimana, weakening their offensive threat. Coach Maurizio Sarri deployed a 4-3-3 formation similar to their recent friendly against Athletic Bilbao, but the team failed to break down Hapoel’s compact defense. The Israeli side won the majority of ground and aerial duels, a rare feat against a top European club.

Hapoel’s defensive resilience and tactical execution earned praise, with Breda credited for his game plan and motivating players to stand firm against Italian stars. Although Hapoel missed a scoring opportunity through Kevin-Prince Boateng, the draw leaves them with a strong chance ahead of the second leg in Miskolc. The match is seen as one of the greatest achievements by an Israeli club in European competition if they can maintain this level.

Summary: Hapoel Tel Aviv held Atalanta to a 0-0 draw in Bergamo on August 20, 2026, with a disciplined defensive display that limited Atalanta’s chances despite their possession advantage, setting up a promising second leg.

Points: - Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the Europa League qualifier first leg. - Atalanta dominated possession (62%) but managed only five shots on target and an xG of 0.75. - Omri Altman’s deep midfield role and strong defensive duels by Coco and Mayembo shut down Atalanta’s wing attacks. - Injuries to Atalanta’s key wingers weakened their offensive threat. - Coach Eliniv Breda’s tactical plan and player motivation were crucial to Hapoel’s defensive success. - The result gives Hapoel a solid foundation ahead of the second leg in Miskolc.

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