Hapoel Tel Aviv's Ironclad Defense Poised for European Upset Against Atalanta

Hapoel Tel Aviv's defensive line has emerged as the club's strongest asset, built within a year through precise scouting and strategic signings. Despite the usual focus on attacking stars like Stav Toriel and expensive recruits Douglas Aveso and Daniel Dappa, the team's defense, assembled from diverse backgrounds including Brazil, France, and Guadeloupe, has been pivotal. Last season, Hapoel finished with the league's best defense, conceding only 38 goals, a record that could have been even better without a late-season loss to Maccabi Haifa.

This summer, the defense's quality was showcased in a 0-0 draw against Italian Serie A club Atalanta in the Conference League playoffs, where Hapoel, valued at just 17 million euros compared to Atalanta's 418 million, even outperformed their opponents. The defensive setup, crafted by coach Eliniv Breda with support from CEO Guy Primor, technical manager Omer Buksenboim, and scouting head Ivan Slavov, relies heavily on data analytics and continuity, retaining most of the squad except for Aveso, who joined for 2.5 million euros.

Key foreign defenders bring extensive experience from top leagues and international play, including Adrian Kraiev, Fernan Mayembo, and Omri Altman, all former captains. The defense's solidity was evident as Atalanta managed only nine shots with four on target and three corners, while Hapoel dominated ground and aerial duels. Goalkeeper Asaf Tzur, last season's best goalkeeper, made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.

The defensive core was built gradually, starting with Tzur's transfer from Kiryat Shmona, followed by Mayembo from Hapoel Haifa, and Chico from Brazil's first division, who scored a decisive derby goal last season. French left-back Marcus Coco, with 260 appearances in Ligue 1 and youth caps for France alongside stars like Kylian Mbappe, joined mid-season after a stint in Romania. Homegrown player Doron Leidner, returning from loans and injury, has also strengthened the backline.

Beyond the back five, defensive midfielder Falcao, a standout in Brazil's second division, and Bulgarian international Kraiev provide leadership and ball-winning skills. The team’s defensive prowess, combined with Breda’s tactical instructions to initiate counterattacks, sets the stage for a potential historic upset in the upcoming second leg against Atalanta in Miskolc.