Hapoel Be'er Sheva's Most Painful European Exits Highlight Long Road Ahead

Hapoel Be'er Sheva suffered a heartbreaking elimination in Baku on Tuesday, conceding deep into stoppage time against Sabah and losing 5-2 after extra time, missing a historic Champions League group stage qualification. This painful exit is one of several tough European defeats the southern Israeli club has endured over the years.

In the 2017/18 season, after winning back-to-back Israeli championships, Be'er Sheva reached the Champions League playoff round but lost to Maribor on away goals after winning the home leg 2-1. Despite the elimination, they advanced to the Europa League group stage but finished last in their group.

The 2016/17 campaign saw Be'er Sheva reach the Champions League playoff by defeating Sheriff Tiraspol and Olympiacos, then face Celtic. After a heavy 5-2 home loss in the first leg, they staged a strong comeback in the return leg, winning 2-0 and missing a penalty that could have advanced them on away goals. They continued to the Europa League group stage, achieving historic wins over Inter Milan and reaching the round of 32.

In 2018/19, following a third consecutive league title, Be'er Sheva started well with a 3-0 aggregate win over Flora Tallinn but then suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League third qualifying round first leg. Although they led 2-0 in the return leg, Zagreb rallied to a 2-2 draw, eliminating Be'er Sheva, who then exited the Europa League playoffs against APOEL Nicosia.

The club's worst European defeat came in 1997/98 before the Alona Barkat era, during a tumultuous season marked by ownership changes and relegation battles. After advancing past Zalgiris Vilnius, Be'er Sheva faced Dutch side Roda JC, losing 4-1 at home and then suffering a humiliating 10-0 away defeat, the largest ever for an Israeli team in Europe. This season also saw the emergence of a young Yossi Benayoun as a bright spot amid the struggles.

These painful European exits underscore the challenges Hapoel Be'er Sheva has faced on the continental stage, highlighting both moments of promise and harsh setbacks as the club continues to strive for greater success.