Advancing Teams and Upcoming Fixtures
The latest round of UEFA Europa and Conference League qualifiers delivered dramatic results for three Israeli sides, each sealing a place in the third qualifying round with convincing performances.
Maccabi Tel Aviv completed a 6‑0 aggregate victory over Sheriff Tiraspol, highlighted by Roy Revivo’s decisive strike in the second leg. The club will now meet CSKA Sofia, a Bulgarian side that finished fourth in the 2022‑23 A‑PF, in the upcoming tie.
Beitar Jerusalem progressed after a tense penalty shootout against AEK Larnaca, with goalkeeper Miguel Silva making two crucial saves to preserve the 4‑3 aggregate win. The Jerusalem side will next face Katowice in the Conference League qualifying stage.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a 4‑2 aggregate triumph over Ludogorets, with Emmanuel Boateng scoring twice, including a vital goal in the 87th minute to level the match at 2‑2. Their next opponent will also be Katowice, setting up a potential clash between the two sides.
Coaches weighed in on the results, with Kenny Miller expressing satisfaction at Maccabi Tel Aviv’s advancement despite a modest scoreline, while Almog Cohen emphasized the importance of courage in football after Beitar Jerusalem’s penalty victory. Elyaniv Barda highlighted his team’s resilience and commitment in overcoming a strong Ludogorets outfit.
The progress of these clubs underscores the growing competitiveness of Israeli football on the European stage, as they prepare to confront new challenges against seasoned opponents from across the continent.