Hapoel Be'er Sheva Prepares for Historic Champions League Playoff Clash in Azerbaijan

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to face Sabah FK in Azerbaijan on Tuesday in a crucial second-leg playoff match that could secure the Israeli club's first-ever group stage appearance in the UEFA Champions League. Coach Ran Kozuch has prepared his team thoroughly, emphasizing the need to counter Sabah's fast counterattacks and the deep balls from their Azerbaijani goalkeeper. Kozuch also stressed the importance of maintaining concentration during the opening minutes, especially given the expected intense home atmosphere.

The team conducted their final training session without changes to the lineup from the previous match, signaling confidence in the starting eleven. Approximately 20,000 tickets have been sold for the game, with 600 allocated to Hapoel Be'er Sheva supporters out of the 1,900 tickets reserved for the visiting team. In a unique show of unity and focus, the club brought a Torah scroll to Azerbaijan, with players and staff praying together multiple times daily ahead of the match.

The mood within the club is one of great excitement and belief, as they recognize they are just 90 minutes away from making history by reaching the Champions League group stage for the first time. The team and staff remain hopeful and determined to achieve this milestone.