Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv will face Polish side GKS Katowice tonight in Miskolc for the first leg of the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round. Ahead of the crucial fixture, we have gathered all the statistical data, head-to-head history, and key details you need to know before kickoff.
Hapoel continues its journey in the UEFA Conference League. After impressively overcoming a tough Bulgarian opponent in Ludogorets (4-2 on aggregate), the Reds have advanced to the third qualifying round, where they will take on a resilient and physical side in GKS Katowice.
The first leg of the tie will take place at the DVTK Stadium in Miskolc, Hungary, where thousands of passionate Red supporters are expected to fill the stands, creating a vibrant home atmosphere to push the players on the pitch. Just six days later, the team will travel to Poland for the decisive second leg in Katowice, fighting for a coveted spot in the Conference League Playoff round (where Italian giants Atalanta await).
While the double victory over Ludogorets provided immense pride and confidence, the club stresses that full focus must remain on the task at hand. Katowice arrives from a highly physical and competitive Polish Ekstraklasa, and the Reds will need to display the same tactical discipline, commitment, and sacrifice that brought them here to secure a positive result ahead of the return leg in Poland.
Match Information
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Date & Time: Thursday, August 6, 2026, 21:00
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Competition: UEFA Conference League, Third Qualifying Round (1st Leg)
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Venue: DVTK Stadium, Miskolc, Hungary (Home Match)
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Referee: Bastien Dechepy (France)
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Assistant Referees: Brice Parinet Le Tellier (France), Steven Torregrossa (France)
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VAR Referees: Nicolas Rainville (France), Guillaume Paradis (France)
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Fourth Official: Jérémy Stinat (France)
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Broadcaster: Sport 2 HD
Know the Opponent
Nineteen years in the lower divisions, a return to European competition after nearly a quarter of a century, and a manager who became a club icon: a closer look at the Polish side standing between Hapoel Tel Aviv and the next round.
Hapoel Tel Aviv faces a determined, confident, and highly motivated opponent in GKS Katowice. For the Polish club, nicknamed "GieKSa" and wearing yellow, green, and black, this is a historic run—their first appearance on the European stage in 23 years.
From the Lower Leagues to a Historic Comeback
Founded in 1964, Katowice is considered a modern club by Polish standards, yet one with a rich tradition. After spending 19 long years wandering through lower divisions, the turning point arrived in 2019. Rafał Górak was appointed head coach while the team was in the third tier, initiating a patient building process that led to their top-flight return two years ago.
Last season, in a fiercely competitive campaign, the team finished fifth in the Polish Ekstraklasa (just 10 points behind champions Lech Poznań), securing their historic ticket to the Conference League qualifiers.
The Manager & System: The Hero of the Stands
Veteran manager Rafał Górak is revered by the fans. Under his guidance, Katowice plays proactive, attack-minded football, especially at home. In the previous qualifying round, Katowice demonstrated great character: after a 2-1 defeat to Žilina in Slovakia, they staged a dramatic second-leg comeback with a 3-1 home win to advance.
Home Fortress & Domestic Core
One of the key advantages for the Polish side is the second leg at home. Katowice boasts an impressive unbeaten streak at their stadium stretching back to November, backed by an energetic and passionate home crowd. Unlike many European sides, Katowice relies heavily on a strong domestic spine—most of their starting XI consists of Polish players, providing exceptional stability and cohesion.
The Bottom Line
Hapoel Tel Aviv faces a well-drilled, unified, and momentum-driven side. Key to the Reds' success will be neutralizing playmaker Bartosz Nowak, minimizing goals conceded from set pieces, and maintaining complete focus in the challenging away atmosphere in Poland.
Hapoel vs. Polish Opponents
Hapoel Tel Aviv previously faced Polish side Legia Warsaw in two thrilling clashes during the 2011/2012 UEFA Europa League group stage. Here is a look back at the drama in Poland and the memorable performance at Bloomfield:
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2011/2012 (UEFA Europa League, Group Stage - Matchday 2) – 3-2 Loss vs. Legia Warsaw (Away) Hapoel traveled to Poland for a intense fixture at the Pepsi Arena and started brilliantly: in the 34th minute, Gal Shish assisted Toto Tamuz, who gave the Reds a 0-1 lead going into halftime. The host turned the game around in the second half (67' and 72' pen), but substitute Mahran Lala equalized for 2-2 in the 79th minute. Cruelly, an 89th-minute strike by Legia sealed the match.
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Hapoel Lineup: Apoula Edel, Omri Kenda, Mário Pečalka, Bevan Fransman, Gal Shish, Shay Abutbul, Nosa Igiebor, Mahmoud Abbas (Salim Toama, 12'), Mario Ormuš (Walid Badir, 84'), Omer Damari (Mahran Lala, 76'), Toto Tamuz.
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Match Details: Pepsi Arena, Warsaw (21,217 spectators) | Referee: Saïd Ennjimi (France).
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2011/2012 (UEFA Europa League, Group Stage - Matchday 6) – 0-2 Win vs. Legia Warsaw (Home) In the group stage finale at Bloomfield Stadium, Hapoel signed off their European campaign on a high note with a commanding performance. Salim Toama put the Reds ahead with a well-deserved goal in the 33rd minute. Despite Gal Shish receiving a red card in the 63rd minute, 10-man Hapoel held firm, and in the 76th minute, Avihai Yadin converted an assist from Mahmoud Abbas to seal a memorable 2-0 victory.
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Hapoel Lineup: Apoula Edel, Na'al Hotba, Mor Shushan, Walid Badir, Gal Shish (sent off, 63'), Avihai Yadin, Roei Gordana (Mahmoud Abbas, 70'), Salim Toama (Mahran Lala, 78'), Mario Ormuš, Omer Damari (Shay Abutbul, 24'), Toto Tamuz.
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Match Details: Bloomfield Stadium, Jaffa (5,500 spectators) | Referee: Thomas Einwaller (Austria).
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