The Israeli club arrives in Belgrade with a minimal advantage from the first leg, but without illusions. They are aware that a completely different Red Star awaits them at Marakana and announce a fight to the last atom of strength.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva players have arrived in Belgrade with a minimal advantage from the first leg, but also with a clear awareness that nothing less than a real football battle awaits them at Marakana. The Israeli club does not hide that they expect a fierce pressure from Red Star, who will chase the deficit in front of their fans from the first minute.
In the visitors' camp, they do not feel the burden of being favorites. On the contrary, they say that all the pressure is on the shoulders of the Serbian champions. "The pressure is not on us, but only on Zvezda. Nobody gave us a chance before the first match, and they won't after it either," they said from the Israeli club for Kurir.rs. In the first leg, played in Hungary, Hapoel managed to secure an advantage that they now want to defend, but they are aware that a completely different challenge lies ahead.
The Israelis do not hide that they expect an offensive onslaught from Zvezda, amplified by the hellish atmosphere from the stands. Their message is honest and direct: "We will have to be ready to suffer for a large part of the match. We understand that this is a very difficult away game and that an atmosphere at a real home stadium awaits us. It will be a great experience for us." Hapoel, therefore, announces maximum concentration, defensive discipline, and a fight for every ball, aware that they will have to raise their level of play compared to the first leg. "We will have to work even more and raise the level of commitment," they added.
An additional headache for coach Ran Kozuk is the absence of defender Matan Baltacha. He received a red card in the first leg and will not be able to help the team in Belgrade due to suspension. Everything points to his place in the starting lineup being taken by Portuguese Pedro Amador, a left-back who got a chance in the first match by coming off the bench.
Hapoel, therefore, knows what awaits them. The minimal advantage gives reason for optimism, but also the awareness that to advance, they will have to withstand the real pressure of Red Star at a packed Marakana. Their task is clear, to survive one of the toughest nights in Europe.
