Sabah's Grass Condition Could Impact Play Against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in Champions League Playoff
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Hapoel Be'er Sheva will visit Sabah in Baku for the Champions League playoff second leg after a 2-1 home win. Former Sabah captain Karim Diniyev warned the pitch condition could affect Sabah's playing style but stressed the team must adapt. The match is crucial for Be'er Sheva's historic bid to reach the group stage.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Be'er Sheva leads 2-1 from the first leg against Sabah in Champions League playoff.
- Sabah will host the second leg in Baku with about 15,000 fans expected at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.
- Former Sabah captain Karim Diniyev said Sabah struggled with ball possession and decision-making in the first match.
- Diniyev noted Be'er Sheva's disciplined, physical play disrupted Sabah's usual style.
- Pitch quality in Baku may impact Sabah's technical, fast-paced game but cannot be an excuse.
- The stadium atmosphere could motivate Sabah in the crucial second leg on August 26, 2026.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to face Sabah on Tuesday at 19:45 local time in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff round. After securing a 2-1 home victory in the first leg, Be'er Sheva aims to advance to the group stage of the competition for the first time in club history. The match will take place at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku, where Sabah will benefit from home support with around 15,000 fans expected.
Karim Diniyev, former Sabah captain, commented on the first leg, noting that Sabah failed to display their usual fast and dominant style, especially struggling with ball possession and decision-making in the final attacking phases. He praised Be'er Sheva's disciplined and physical approach, which pressured Sabah's players responsible for initiating attacks and disrupted their rhythm.
Despite the first leg result, Diniyev believes the tie remains open and that playing in Baku could offer Sabah an advantage. He also highlighted the importance of the pitch quality at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, stating that Sabah's technical and quick style requires a good playing surface. Unpredictable ball movement and slips could affect their passing game. However, he emphasized that Sabah must not use the pitch condition as an excuse and should adapt professionally. The stadium atmosphere could also provide additional motivation for the home team.
The match will be broadcast on 5SPORT, with kickoff at 19:45 on Tuesday, August 26, 2026.
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