Crvena Zvezda set to prove their class: prediction for Hapoel Be'er Sheva vs Crvena Zvezda
The third qualifying round clash of the Champions League between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Crvena Zvezda will take place on August 4, 2026, at the Haladás Sports Complex in Szombathely. The Israeli side will formally be the home team, but will play their 'home' leg on neutral soil, while the Serbian champions enter the tie as clear favorites.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva: squad issues hinder momentum
Hapoel have struggled for consistency: the team lost 1-3 to Maccabi in the Israeli Super Cup and then fell 1-2 to Vikingur in the first leg of the second qualifying round. A 2-0 home win was enough to get past the Icelanders, but even in that match, the Israeli club's advantage was far from overwhelming.
Injuries have complicated matters: Dan Biton is sidelined due to heart issues, Joao Victor is recovering from a thigh injury, and Djibril Diop's participation remains in doubt. The main hope for Ran Kojok's squad is their Champions League home record, with eight wins and a draw in nine matches, including games played on neutral grounds.
Crvena Zvezda: relentless attacking power
Crvena Zvezda have won all four official matches this season, both in Champions League qualifying and the Serbian league. Only one of those victories came by a two-goal margin, while in the other three, Dejan Stanković's men demolished their opponents.
The visitors have netted 17 goals in four matches, averaging over four per game, and have conceded just once. Despite the absence of Ade Avdić and Rade Krunić, the coaching staff have plenty of depth at their disposal, so Bruno Duarte could start, while Marko Arnautović may once again play the role of super-sub.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Hapoel are unbeaten in all nine of their Champions League qualifying home games, winning eight.
- Crvena Zvezda have won all four official fixtures this season, scoring 17 goals.
- Over 2.5 goals were scored in eight of the last nine matches for both teams.
The visitors’ class should shine through: prediction for Hapoel Be'er Sheva vs Crvena Zvezda
Hapoel have the discipline and Champions League home pedigree to put up a fight, but playing in Szombathely means they lose the true home advantage. Squad issues and an uncertain start to the season further complicate matters for the Israeli club.
Crvena Zvezda look far more formidable in attack and have a much deeper squad. The visitors may not keep a clean sheet, but their current firepower should be enough to secure a convincing win.
