Hapoel Be'er Sheva Falls Short in Champions League Playoff After Late Concession

Hapoel Be'er Sheva faced Sabah FK in a crucial UEFA Champions League qualifying match in Baku, aiming to secure a historic group stage spot. After winning the first leg 2-1, Be'er Sheva traveled with around 1,000 fans to Azerbaijan for the return leg, hoping to advance for the first time in club history. The match was officiated by experienced Romanian referee István Kovács.

Be'er Sheva started strong, with Igor Zlatanović scoring early in the 9th minute to give them a 1-0 lead in the match and a 3-1 aggregate advantage. However, Zlatanović was forced off injured in the 32nd minute, replaced by Mohammed Abu Romi. Sabah equalized in the 38th minute through Anvachuko, leveling the match 1-1 and narrowing the aggregate to 3-2.

In the second half, Be'er Sheva suffered another blow as captain Miguel Vitor left the field due to a chest injury, replaced by Jibril Diop. Sabah pressed hard, hitting the post and forcing several saves from goalkeeper Ofir Marciano. Be'er Sheva regained the lead in the 61st minute when Gai Mizrahi scored following a mistake by Sabah's goalkeeper, extending their aggregate lead to 4-2.

Sabah responded with a stunning long-range goal by Rakhmonaliev in the 74th minute to make it 2-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate. Dramatic late moments saw Sabah score a decisive goal from a corner in stoppage time, with Motalimov volleying past Marciano to make it 3-2 in the match and 4-4 on aggregate, forcing extra time. Be'er Sheva came within seconds of qualifying but ultimately conceded, pushing the contest into a tense overtime period.

Coach Ran Kozuch maintained his starting lineup from the first leg but faced critical injuries to key players during the match. Despite strong performances and passionate support, Be'er Sheva's Champions League dream was delayed as the tie extended beyond regulation time.