Hapoel Be'er Sheva Drawn Against Juventus and Besiktas in UEFA Europa League Group Stage

Following their disappointing elimination from the UEFA Champions League qualifiers by Azerbaijan's Sabah FC, Hapoel Be'er Sheva is set to embark on a new campaign in the UEFA Europa League. The group stage draw, held on Friday, paired the Israeli champions with a challenging lineup including Juventus (home), AZ Alkmaar (away), Saint-Gilloise (away), Dinamo Zagreb (home), Bournemouth (away), Celta Vigo (home), Besiktas (away), and OFI Crete (home).

The new league format features no traditional groups but a draw that assigns each team two opponents from each of the four seeded tiers, with nine teams per tier. Teams will play eight matches total, four at home and four away, without facing the same opponent twice at home or away. The first round of matches is scheduled for September 16-17, 2024, and the final round will take place on January 28, 2027. The final itself is set for May 26, 2027, in Frankfurt.

Other notable teams in the competition include Crystal Palace and Anan Khalaily, who will face Real Sociedad, Lyon, Sparta Prague, Salzburg, Lech Poznan, Jagiellonia, Hoffenheim, and Besiktas. Gabi Kanikovski and Ferencvaros will compete against Juventus, AC Milan, Viktoria Plzen, Celtic, Celje, Lech Poznan, Torensa, and Hoffenheim. Additionally, Karam Zoabi and Torensa will meet Olympiacos, Real Sociedad, Celtic, Ferencvaros, Sunderland, Lech Poznan, Ararat, and Lillestrom.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva's matches are yet to be scheduled in order but will include home games against Juventus, Dinamo Zagreb, Celta Vigo, and OFI Crete, and away games against AZ Alkmaar, Saint-Gilloise, Bournemouth, and Besiktas. This lineup presents a significant test for the Israeli club as they seek to advance in European competition.