Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces logistical challenges ahead of AZ matchup

Hapoel Be'er Sheva faces significant logistical and physical challenges ahead of their Europa League matchup against AZ Alkmaar. Due to the ongoing war in Israel, the club is forced to play its home matches in Bucharest, Romania, rather than in its own country.

Goalkeeper Ofir Marciano noted that the lack of a home crowd is a disadvantage and expressed that playing in neutral territory feels less than fair from a sporting perspective. Coach Ran Kozuch added that the increased travel requirements are physically taxing for the players.

Following a narrow loss in the Champions League play-offs against FC Sabah, Hapoel is looking to regroup. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar player Ayoub Oufkir expressed high confidence ahead of the encounter, stating his intent to secure the club's first points in the competition.