Hapoel Be'er Sheva Coach Reflects on Painful Champions League Playoff Exit

Hapoel Be'er Sheva suffered a heartbreaking elimination from the UEFA Champions League playoff round after conceding a last-minute goal in the 95th minute against Sabah FC in Baku. The match extended into extra time, during which Be'er Sheva received two red cards and ultimately lost 5-2 on the night, 6-4 on aggregate. The defeat denied the Israeli club a historic group stage qualification.

Coach Ran Kozuch expressed mixed emotions after the game, acknowledging the team's shortcomings but refusing to label the result a failure. He said, "In the end, we were not worthy against Sabah. We will take what is ours and move forward. The team will come back stronger." Kozuch emphasized the club’s ongoing development and upcoming challenges in the Europa League and the Israeli Premier League.

Captain Miguel Vitor was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears after the match. He described the moment as "very difficult" and reflected on the possibility that this might be his last chance to reach the Champions League. Vitor also explained his halftime substitution due to a medical decision after sustaining a blow, which affected the team's defensive setup.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva now turns its focus to the Europa League campaign and domestic league matches, aiming to rebuild after this painful setback.