Hapoel Be'er Sheva vs Sabah Preview: Hosts Face Tough Champions League Playoff Test

UEFA Champions League  -  Hapoel Beer Sheva VS Sabah FK Baku
Match Time:20-08-2026 03:00 Thursday (GMT+8)
Football Livescore | Match Prediction & Tips
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Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Sabah meet in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie, with both clubs bidding to reach the league stage of the competition for the first time. Hapoel Be'er Sheva have already eliminated Vikingur Reykjavik and Red Star, while Sabah progressed past TNS, KuPS and Aarhus to reach this stage.

Team Analysis:
Hapoel Be'er Sheva have made an impressive start to their European campaign, recovering from a 2-1 first-leg defeat to Vikingur with a 2-0 victory in the return match before overcoming Red Star 3-0 on aggregate. The Israeli champions are now just two matches away from reaching the Champions League league stage for the first time in their history.

Playing at home, Hapoel Be'er Sheva are expected to take the initiative and try to establish an advantage before the return fixture. Their defensive organization has been particularly important during their qualifying campaign, while their ability to respond positively after setbacks has demonstrated strong character.

Sabah, meanwhile, have already played six Champions League matches this season and have been one of the competition's surprise performers. The Azerbaijani side eliminated Aarhus with a remarkable 6-1 aggregate score and also secured a 2-0 domestic victory over Kapaz at the weekend. They have won six of their seven matches across all competitions this season.

The visitors are likely to remain compact and look for opportunities through quick transitions. Their strong recent form means Hapoel Be'er Sheva cannot afford to underestimate them, particularly with Sabah possessing considerable momentum heading into the playoff.

Player Situation:
Hapoel Be'er Sheva will look towards Zahi Ahmed for attacking inspiration after the 25-year-old scored twice in his first four appearances of the season. Igor Zlatanovic is also expected to lead the line, but the hosts will be without Joao Victor and Dan Biton, who are both ruled out through injury.

Sabah have fewer injury concerns, with Khayal Aliyev their only confirmed absentee. Veljko Simic has been particularly impressive at the beginning of the campaign, scoring five goals in six appearances, while Joy-Lance Mickels has already contributed four goals across all competitions.

Simic's form could be especially important for Sabah, as his ability to attack from the left gives the visitors another route to goal. Hapoel Be'er Sheva will need to limit his influence while also preventing Mickels from finding space in the final third.

Result Prediction:
This should be a closely contested first leg between two sides enjoying strong European campaigns. Hapoel Be'er Sheva have the benefit of home advantage and greater confidence after eliminating Red Star, but Sabah's outstanding start to the season makes them a dangerous opponent.

Neither side is likely to take excessive risks in the opening leg, with both teams aware that the tie will ultimately be decided over two matches. Hapoel Be'er Sheva should have periods of pressure at home, but Sabah have enough attacking quality to respond.

Overall, a tight and balanced encounter looks likely, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage.

Prediction: Hapoel Be'er Sheva 1-1 Sabah