Hapoel Be'er Sheva Prepares for Crucial Champions League Playoff Return Match in Baku

Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to face Sabah FC in Baku, Azerbaijan, tonight in the decisive second leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff. The Israeli champions hold a 2-1 advantage from last week's home victory and aim to secure a spot in the group stage, which would grant them a prestigious ticket to compete against Europe's elite in Thursday's league draw. Around 1,000 Be'er Sheva fans are traveling to support the team in this high-stakes encounter.

Coach Ran Kozuch plans to field the same starting lineup that triumphed in Bucharest, including goalkeeper Ofir Marciano and forwards Zahy Ahmed, Javon East, and Igor Zlatanovic. The team is aware of the intense pressure expected from the Azerbaijani hosts, who are likely to apply heavy pressing from the opening whistle. Sabah demonstrated their home strength earlier in the qualifiers by overturning a 2-1 deficit to win 4-0 against Danish side Aarhus.

A key tactical focus for Be'er Sheva is neutralizing Sabah's Serbian star Veljko Simic, who has scored in five consecutive matches and poses a significant threat. The coaching staff has also warned players to be cautious of Sabah's fast counterattacks and long balls launched by goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov, which are central to their offensive strategy. Despite holding the advantage, Be'er Sheva remains cautious, emphasizing concentration and discipline to avoid complacency and secure historic progression to the Champions League group stage.