Red Star Belgrade 1-0 loss to Hapoel Be'er Sheva in League qualifier

Red Star Belgrade were defeated 1‑0 by Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League third‑round qualifying tie. Zahi Ahmed scored the only goal in the 38th minute after a defensive error by Red Star goalkeeper Mateus.

Red Star coach Dejan Stanković accepted full responsibility, saying the team lacked aggression and made unnecessary mistakes. He pledged a stronger performance for the return match in Belgrade. Hapoel coach Ran Kožok praised his side’s discipline and highlighted the impact of players such as Eliel Perec and veteran defender Ofir Marciano.

The loss leaves Red Star needing to overturn the deficit in the second leg to stay in the competition, while Hapoel looks to protect their advantage.