Neutral ground in Hungary sets the stage for an intriguing UEFA Champions League third qualifying-round first leg between Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Red Star Belgrade. The Israeli side are chasing a historic first appearance in the competition’s main draw, but they face a Red Star team enjoying a sensational start to the 2026/27 season.
Match Preview
Hapoel Be’er Sheva recovered from a first-leg deficit to eliminate Víkingur Reykjavík 3-2 on aggregate in the previous round. That victory guaranteed them league-phase European football this season, regardless of how far they progress in Champions League qualifying.
Their wider form remains a concern, however. Hapoel have lost four of their last five competitive matches and cannot rely on their traditional home support, with this contest taking place on neutral Hungarian soil.
Red Star Belgrade arrives in exceptional condition. The Serbian champions have won their opening four matches of the campaign, scoring 17 goals and conceding only once. Their 9-0 aggregate demolition of Larne demonstrated the speed, confidence and attacking quality currently running through the squad.
Red Star has also won four consecutive European away matches without conceding, making them strong favorites to control this first leg.
Hapoel’s Defensive Strength Offers Hope
Despite their inconsistent results, Hapoel have kept clean sheets in six of their last seven European fixtures as the designated home team. Six of their previous eight European defeats were also decided by just one goal.
That record suggests the Israeli club may adopt a compact defensive system, protect central areas and attempt to frustrate Red Star before launching counterattacks.
Nevertheless, the neutral venue removes much of Hapoel’s home advantage. They will need to remain disciplined throughout the contest because Red Star possesses enough quality to punish even brief defensive lapses.
Red Star’s Attack Could Make the Difference
Red Star’s numbers are difficult to ignore. Their 17 goals in four matches show that they can create chances consistently, while conceding only once highlights their defensive organization.
Aleksandar Katai will be among the main players to watch. He recorded a goal and an assist in the second-leg victory over Larne after providing assists from the bench in each of Red Star’s previous two games.
For Hapoel, Zahi Ahmed could provide the greatest attacking threat. He scored in the previous round and has contributed two goals and one assist during his last five competitive appearances, with all three contributions coming after half-time.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be the first competitive meeting between Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Red Star Belgrade.
Hapoel have also never previously faced Serbian opposition. Red Star, meanwhile, are yet to defeat an Israeli club, recording one draw and one loss from their two earlier encounters.
Although that historical record favors Hapoel slightly, current form places Red Star in a much stronger position.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva vs Red Star Betting Tips
The statistics point to a Red Star victory in a match where neither team may score. Only one of the Serbian club’s last ten European fixtures produced goals at both ends, while Red Star has kept four consecutive continental away clean sheets.
Primary betting tip: Red Star Belgrade to win
Alternative tip: Red Star Belgrade to win to nil
Goals market: Both teams to score – No
Higher-risk selection: Red Star Belgrade to score over 2.5 goals
Backing Red Star to score at least three times carries greater risk because Hapoel have a respectable European defensive record. However, the Serbian side’s rampant start and nine goals against Larne make it an option for bettors seeking bigger potential odds.
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Final Prediction
Hapoel’s defensive organization could keep the contest competitive, particularly during the opening stages. However, Red Star’s superior form, attacking depth and outstanding European away record should eventually prove decisive.
The Serbian champions are expected to dominate possession, create the better opportunities and take a valuable advantage into the return leg.
Predicted score: Hapoel Be’er Sheva 0-2 Red Star Belgrade
