Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv defeated Bulgarian side Ludogorets 2-0 tonight in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. Goals by Altman and Chico.
Hapoel kicked off its European season tonight in dream fashion. After 12 years away from UEFA competitions, the Red Demons returned to the main stage with a 2-0 victory over Bulgarian side Ludogorets in front of over 6,000 Red fans who created a warm and outstanding home atmosphere at DVTK Stadium in Miskolc, Hungary. Hapoel secures a significant advantage ahead of next week's second leg.
Following an even opening, the Reds increased the tempo as the minutes went by and began dominating the pitch. Right before the halftime break came the moment the club had been waiting years for: in the 45th minute, Stav Turiell delivered an excellent cross to Omri Altman's head, who found the back of the net to score the team's first European goal since 2014. The goal closed out the first half, which ended 1-0 to Hapoel.
Even after the break, the opponents tried to take control of the match, but struggled immensely to find answers against Elyaniv Barda's tactical discipline and defense.
The Bulgarian side created virtually no significant scoring chances, while the Reds maintained their shape, moved forward effectively, and generated good opportunities.
In the 89th minute came the final note: Chico joined the celebration with a goal that sealed the match, making it 2-0 and giving the team a massive advantage heading into the second leg in Bulgaria.
Hapoel Lineup: Assaf Tzur, Marcus Coco (Shahar Piven – 88'), Fernand Mayembo, Chico Alves, Doron Leidner, Lucas Falcão, Andrian Kraev (Tal Archel – 88'), Omri Altman (Mor Buskila – 76'), Stav Turiell, Xande Silva (Roy Alkokin – 65'), Emmanuel Boateng (Daniel Dafa – 76').
Referee: Alessandro Dudić (Switzerland) at DVTK Stadium, Miskolc (Hungary).
Hapoel's next match will take place next Thursday (July 30), visiting Ludogorets in Bulgaria for the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. The match will kick off at 21:00.
Match Log
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3': Doron Leidner received the ball on the left flank and crossed into the box; Emmanuel Boateng got there first to head toward goal, but his effort was blocked by the Ludogorets defense and went out for a corner.
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35': Stav Turiell set up to take a free-kick from a favorable position; once again, Boateng got to the ball first and headed toward goal, but his header lacked power and goalkeeper Hendrik Bonmann gathered it safely.
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45': Goal! Hapoel takes a 1-0 lead. Stav Turiell received the ball on the right following a fine team move, crossed into the box, and an unmarked Omri Altman headed it into the net.
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49': Turiell controlled the ball on the right, executed a nice dribble, and delivered a low cross into the box. Boateng met it first and shot on the volley, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
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82': Substitute Roy Alkokin received the ball on the left, beat his defender, and crossed into the area. Daniel Dafa, who had come on just minutes earlier, found himself unmarked and headed against the crossbar.
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89': Goal! Hapoel scores its second. Turiell struck a shot from 25 meters following a set-piece; the opposing keeper parried it into the path of Mayembo, whose first-time shot hit the post, and the rebound fell to Chico, who poked it home for Hapoel's second—just as he did in last season's derby. 2-0!