Hapoel Be’er Sheva close in on Champions League group stage

Hapoel Be’erSheva moved a step closer to reaching the group stage of this season’s Champions League after they beat Maribor 2-1 in the first leg of their play-off tie.

The Israeli champions, hosting the first leg at the Turner Stadium, got off to the worst possible start when the Slovenian side took a tenth minute lead, Marcos Tavares capitalised on a defensive error, before rounding Guy Haimov in the Be’erSheva goal to tap home what could prove to be a vital away goal.

The lead didn’t last long though as within two minutes, Anthony Nwakaeme fired in a stunning equaliser. They completed the comeback in first half stoppage time when captain Maor Melikson was brought down in the box by Blaz Vrhovec, Shir Tzedek stepped up and emphatically converted from the spot.

They weren’t though able to press on int he second half, meaning they’ll take a slender lead in Tuesday’s second leg, where a 1-0 win for the Slovenians would be enough to take them through on the away goals rule.