Beitar draw blank in Europa League opener

Beitar Jerusalem recorded a 0-0 draw in Kazakhstan as they got their Europa League qualifying campaign off to satisfactory self.

Taking on Ordabasy Shymkent in 40 degree heat, competing in their first European club match since 2008 – just five weeks after the finish of last season’s Israeli domestic campaign, a game of few chances will nevertheless see them confident ahead of Thursday’s return leg at the Teddy stadium.

New coach Slobodan Drapic said: “We played like one cohesive unit and we did our job, I’m proud of the players.We’re still not in shape, but we completed our mission in impossible weather and on a tough pitch. I’m certain that next week in our stadium it will be a very different match.”

The Israelis will face Belgian side Charleroi in the second qualifying round if they manage to get past Shymkent.