Hapoel Beer Sheva Rally From Behind to Beat Sabah FA 2-1 in Champions League Play-Offs

Hapoel Beer Sheva Complete Comeback to Beat Sabah

Hapoel Beer Sheva came from behind to defeat Sabah FA 2-1 in the UEFA Champions League play-offs at Rapid-Giulesti Stadium in Bucharest on Wednesday, August 19. Sabah FA struck first, but Hapoel Beer Sheva recovered to secure the victory after a 1-1 half-time scoreline.

Hapoel Beer Sheva Turn Deficit Into Victory

Sabah FA made the stronger start when Veljko Simić opened the scoring in the sixth minute, giving his team an early advantage. Hapoel Beer Sheva responded before the interval, with Javon East equalising in the 43rd minute to ensure the teams went into half-time level.

The second half remained closely contested on the scoreboard, but Hapoel Beer Sheva gradually turned its greater control into a winning goal. The result gives Hapoel Beer Sheva another victory in its current European campaign, while Sabah FA’s latest match ended in defeat after a run that had included four wins in its previous six listed matches.

Simić Strikes Early as East Restores Parity

Simić’s opener came after an assist from Tymoteusz Puchacz, who helped Sabah FA take advantage of its quick beginning. The goal put Hapoel Beer Sheva under early pressure, although the visitors were unable to preserve their lead through the opening half.

East restored parity three minutes before the break, changing the momentum before the interval. His goal was Hapoel Beer Sheva’s only first-half equaliser, and it gave the team a platform to continue pressing for a result after the restart.

Zlatanović Delivers Decisive Second-Half Goal

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when Igor Zlatanović put Hapoel Beer Sheva ahead. Eliel Peretz supplied the assist, completing the comeback and giving the home side a lead it held through the closing stages.

Hapoel Beer Sheva’s late disciplinary sequence reflected the pressure of protecting its advantage. Miguel Vitor was booked in the 76th minute, I. Rotman followed in the 77th, and A. C. Ganah received a yellow card in the 84th, while Sabah FA recorded no cautions.

Possession Dominance and Standout Performers

Hapoel Beer Sheva controlled possession with 68% and completed 584 of 642 passes at 91% accuracy, compared with Sabah FA’s 32% possession and 222 accurate passes from 284. The winners also attempted 15 shots to Sabah FA’s eight, including 13 from inside the box, although both teams registered five shots on target.

Eliel Peretz was the standout performer, receiving an 8.2 rating after 89 minutes, with one assist and four key passes. Simić was Sabah FA’s highest-rated player at 7.9 after scoring, while Zlatanović contributed the winning goal and three shots on target.