Mixed results for Israeli clubs in European soccer qualifying, Hapoel Tel Aviv achieve valuable win
Beitar Jerusalem came up short against Austria Wien 2-1 in the first leg of their Conference League third-round qualifying tie, while Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered a 3-0 defeat to CSKA Sofia.
Three Israeli soccer clubs participated in the third round of European qualifying, with mixed results. Hapoel Tel Aviv secured a valuable 2-0 victory over Katowice in Hungary, with goals from Stav Turiel and Roi Alkukin. This win advances Hapoel to the playoff round, where they will face Italian Serie A club Atalanta. The team's supporters were praised for their enthusiastic attendance in Hungary.
Beitar Jerusalem suffered a 2-1 loss to Austria Wien in Romania, needing a comeback in the return leg in Vienna to advance to the playoff round. The winner of that tie will face either Braga or Dinamo Minsk. Beitar created early opportunities but couldn't capitalize, with Austria Wien taking the lead in the 20th minute and scoring the final goal in the 70th minute.
Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss to CSKA Sofia in Georgia. The Georgian club took an early lead, followed by a goal from Leandro Godoy before Kenny Miller attempted to change momentum, but CSKA Sofia sealed the victory with a third goal. Maccabi will need a significant turnaround to reach the playoff round, where they will face OFI Crete. The loss leaves the team in the Conference League playoff round, facing either Lugano or Runavik.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
