Igor Zlatanovic

Hapoel Beersheba overcame crowd trouble, disciplinary issues, and a deficit to defeat Hapoel Jerusalem 2-1, maintaining pressure at the top of the Israeli Premier League.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva has completed preparations for the return leg against Red Star Belgrade. Following a 0:1 victory in the first match, the Israeli side aims to defend its lead to reach the Champions League playoff round. Coach Ran Kozuch emphasized that the team is ready for the intense atmosphere at the Marakana.

In conversations with Walla! Sport, journalists in Serbia explain why the stadium is expected to be far from full capacity for the second leg, in which the Israeli champion will try to qualify for the Champions League playoffs (Tuesday, 21:00, Sport 1). Red Star understands how critical the game is, and they have also identified the two key players of Kozuch's team.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva began preparations on Friday for one of the biggest weeks in its history, as it will play on Tuesday (21:00, Sport1) in Serbia at the Marakana stadium of Red Star Belgrade for the return leg of the Champions League third qualifying round. After a surprising 1:0 win in the home game held in Hungary, the players believe in their chances despite the fragile lead.

He left Serbia for Spain at a young age, after growing up with the bitter rival Partizan Belgrade. With the Zambian already wearing green, Hapoel Be'er Sheva's star needs to find the net for the first time this season.