The upcoming Champions League qualifier between Red Star Belgrade and Hapoel Beer Sheva promises to be a tense affair on home soil for the Serbian side. After dropping a narrow away defeat the Serbs know they must deliver a strong performance to keep their European dreams alive and avoid extra time drama. Fans in Belgrade are expecting the usual high energy atmosphere that often pushes the team to dominate from the opening whistle while the visitors from Israel will look to frustrate and snatch any opportunity on the counter.
Team Form
Red Star have started the campaign in fine style with four wins from four games scoring freely and showing no signs of rust in domestic and European fixtures alike. Hapoel on the other hand endured a tough start losing the Israeli Super Cup and scraping through against Icelandic opposition after a shaky first leg. The gap in recent momentum is clear yet the Israeli side have shown resilience in knockout ties before.
- Red Star netted at least three goals in each of their opening wins
- Hapoel conceded late goals in their last European outing despite playing at home
- The Serbian champions boast a strong home record in Champions League qualifiers
Tactical Analysis
Expect Red Star to control possession early and flood the box with attacking numbers while Hapoel sit compact and wait for mistakes. The Israeli outfit may struggle with the intensity of the Belgrade crowd but their defensive organisation has kept them in ties longer than expected. Key battles will unfold in midfield where Red Star will try to break lines quickly and the visitors will aim to slow the tempo whenever they regain the ball.
Betting Proposal
Given the home pressure and Red Star need for a big win the game could stay tighter than many anticipate especially if Hapoel manage to stay organised for long stretches. A solid away showing from the Israelis looks likely without them shipping a heavy defeat. Hapoel not to lose by two goals or more. Handicap 2 plus 1.5 at odds of 1.91.
