Hapoel Beer Sheva
Hapoel Beer Sheva March On in Champions League Qualifying
Hapoel Beer Sheva took a giant stride towards the Champions League group stages with a commanding 2-0 victory over Vikingur Reykjavik in their second qualifying round first leg, turning the Turner Stadium into a cauldron of noise as two second-half goals broke Icelandic resistance.
Vikingur’s Early Struggles
The visitors’ night unraveled before it began, forced into two substitutions inside 15 minutes as injuries to Tarik Ibrahimagic and Óskar Borgthórsson disrupted Solvi Ottesen’s gameplan. Hapoel smelled blood, pressing high as Vikingur’s reshuffled backline endured a torrid first half – Gunnar Vatnhamar’s 55th-minute yellow card for hauling down Zahi Ahmed typifying their desperation.
The Breakthrough
Ahmed, a constant menace, finally breached Vikingur’s defenses in the 65th minute, slotting home Guy Mizrahi’s cutback to send the orange-clad stands into raptures. The Egyptian’s joy turned to frustration 17 minutes later when VAR chalked off his second for offside, but substitute A. C. Ganah eased tensions by pouncing on Kings Kangwa’s through ball to double the lead with 10 minutes remaining.
Disciplinary Meltdown
As Vikingur’s hopes faded, tempers flared – Daniel Hafsteinsson and Aron Fridriksson joining Vatnhamar in the book before Hapoel’s Lucas Ventura, Eitan Peretz and Kangwa saw yellow in a chaotic finale. Goalkeeper Ofir Marciano’s stoppage-time booking for timewasting drew ironic cheers as Ran Kozuch’s side expertly managed the clock.
What This Means
With two away goals denied and no shots on target conceded, Hapoel travel to Reykjavik as overwhelming favorites. But Vikingur’s battling display – making five substitutions to stem the tide – suggests this tie isn’t over. For the Israelis, this was a statement: their Champions League dream burns brighter than ever.
Key Moments
65′ ⚽ Hapoel Beer Sheva — Z. Ahmed (assist: G. Mizrahi)
80′ ⚽ Hapoel Beer Sheva — A. C. Ganah (assist: K. Kangwa)🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
