Prediction for the match Vikingur vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva: can the Icelandic champions surprise the favorites? - 21.07.2026
The second qualifying round of the Champions League kicks off on July 21, and one of the most intriguing matchups features Icelandic side Vikingur facing off against Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
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On paper, the favorite is obvious, but European qualification rounds have long taught us that status alone rarely guarantees results.
Vikingur enters this clash in excellent match rhythm. The Icelandic league is in full swing, so the squad enjoys regular game practice and is in peak physical condition. For clubs from northern countries, this often becomes a small but telling advantage in July, when many of their continental rivals are only starting their seasons.
Hapoel Be’er Sheva, meanwhile, returns to represent Israel in the Champions League after a successful domestic campaign. Despite a recent Israeli Super Cup defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv, the team still boasts a more experienced and higher-caliber roster.
What to expect from the hosts?
Vikingur has long outgrown the label of just a solid Icelandic club. In recent years, they’ve become regulars in European competitions, steadily gaining international experience. At home, the Icelanders play boldly: they press high, aren’t afraid to take the initiative, and rely on intensity.
Of course, in terms of individual skill, Vikingur trails their rivals. But a home match is their best chance to build a lead ahead of the return leg in Israel. If the hosts can impose a high tempo right from the start and capitalize on set pieces, the intrigue in this tie could remain alive until the very end.
What makes Hapoel dangerous?
The Israeli side traditionally focuses on organized play and quality ball work. They know how to withstand pressure without possession, but at the first opportunity, they punish opponents for mistakes with lightning speed.
Experience in European competitions also plays a crucial role here. For many Hapoel players, these kinds of matches are nothing new, so the pressure of being favorites is unlikely to faze them.
Still, there’s a reason for some caution. The Israelis are just entering a new season, so their teamwork might not yet be fully polished. That’s precisely what Vikingur will look to exploit.
Key factors for the match
The main question is whether the hosts’ defense can withstand the pressure from a more technically gifted opponent. If Vikingur allows Hapoel to control the midfield at will, it will be extremely difficult for them to dictate the pace.
Another crucial factor will be finishing. In Champions League qualifiers, a single moment often decides everything—especially in the first leg of a two-legged tie.
It’s also worth noting that this is just the first encounter. So, no one will be surprised if the visitors play as pragmatically as possible, looking to secure a comfortable result in Iceland ahead of the return leg.
Vikingur can cause problems for almost any opponent at home thanks to their match sharpness and the support of their fans. But looking solely at squad depth, bench strength, and international experience, Hapoel still holds the advantage.
Expect a rather cautious first leg, with plenty of physical battles and minimal open space. The Israeli side appears closer to victory, but a draw in Iceland would hardly be a shock.
Prediction: both teams to score – yes.
