Hapoel Be'er Sheva Faces Heartbreak After Dramatic Champions League Exit

Hapoel Be'er Sheva experienced a crushing defeat in their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign on August 25, 2026, losing to Azerbaijan's Sabah FC 6-4 on aggregate after a dramatic match that ended 5-2 in extra time. The decisive goal came in the final moments of regular time, sending the game into extra time where Be'er Sheva ultimately collapsed. The team had been close to reaching the Champions League group stage, a historic achievement for the club.

The mood within the club was somber following the loss. Sources close to the team described the emotional rollercoaster, saying, "From the happiest moment in the club's history to the cruelest." They admitted the players lost focus, playing as if they had already qualified, which led to mistakes and loss of control in midfield, allowing Sabah to dominate the game.

Coach Ran Kozuch acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the team's remarkable journey, stating, "We made an amazing journey and this loss does not erase what we have achieved so far. We now have the Europa League group stage and must deliver respectable performances."

Injuries also affected the team during the match. Captain Miguel Vitor and striker Igor Zlatanovic were both substituted before halftime due to injuries. Zlatanovic is expected to recover quickly from a groin cramp, while Vitor suffered a chest injury but is anticipated to be fit for the upcoming league match against Hapoel Ramat Gan on Saturday. The team will return to Israel the following day to begin preparations for the domestic league.

Despite the heartbreak, the club looks ahead to the Europa League group stage, aiming to maintain strong performances after their near miss in the Champions League qualifiers.