Hapoel Beer Sheva host Sabah FA in Champions League play-off first leg
Hapoel Beer Sheva will meet Sabah FA in the Champions League play-off round, with the tie listed to be played at the Superbet Arena - Giulesti in Bucharest on 19 August 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 UTC.
Although Hapoel Beer Sheva are named as the home side, the venue sits outside Israel, meaning both clubs will be operating away from their usual surroundings for this opening leg of the tie.
Form guide
Hapoel Beer Sheva arrive on the back of a mixed run of results, having won three of their last five matches but suffering back-to-back defeats in their two most recent outings.
Sabah FA, by contrast, have been the more consistent of the pair recently, taking four wins from their last five matches and dropping points only once in that stretch. That slightly superior recent record gives Sabah FA a touch more momentum heading into the contest.
What is at stake
Victory in this play-off tie would carry both sides a step closer to the Champions League group stage, making the result in Bucharest an important marker before any potential second leg.
With the season only just beginning across Europe's major leagues, this fixture represents an early and significant test for both clubs as they look to build on their pre-season preparations.