Hapoel Tel Aviv Wins 2-0 in Hungary, Eyes Conference League Progress Against Ludogorets

Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a 2-0 victory over Ludogorets in Hungary on Thursday in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier, marking a significant moment for the club and its fans after a 12-year absence from European competitions. Over 5,000 supporters traveled to Hungary to witness the match, creating a memorable atmosphere and celebrating one of the team’s best performances in recent years.

Midfielder Omri Altman opened the scoring with a header, reflecting on the experience by comparing it to playing at their home stadium, Bloomfield. He emphasized the need for continued effort in the upcoming second leg in Bulgaria. Coach Adrian Kravets acknowledged the team’s desire to win but cautioned that Ludogorets, a talented and experienced squad, would require Hapoel to elevate their game further to advance.

Doron Leidner stood out with a strong performance, responding well to coach Aloniv Breda’s tactical adjustments, including an early substitution of the left-back to send a message about expectations. Leidner’s display was his best since returning to the club, signaling potential for future contributions. Despite the positive result, the team and fans remain cautious, knowing the tie is far from decided ahead of the return match in Bulgaria.