It was the end of a European campaign, as Hapoel Be'er Sheva defeated Nice 1-0.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva had some quiet nights in HaMoshava Stadium during the Europa League campaign. Their last match against Nice was even more silent than usual. While usually, an international game could draw some interest, both teams would prefer to skip it. Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Nice were already eliminated, and this match was just a sad farewell to their campaigns.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva decided to use their substitutes, with no foreigners in the lineup. The Israeli side is coming after winning in their last league match against Beitar Jerusalem, but it was after 9 winless matches in all competitions. Nice is coming in a much more complicated situation after they decided to sack the manager, Patrick Vieira. For his replacement, Adrian Ursea, this match will be his debut in a continental competition.
With these facts, it wasn't a surprise that both teams weren't rush to score. In the 65th minute, Yossi Abukasis tried to get a more attacking approach when he subbed in Josué. Hapoel Be'er Sheva became more dominant from that moment, and in the 72nd minute, they managed to score the only goal in the match. Rotem Hatuel, one of the best players in the team today, has done it.
Hapoel Be'er Sheva ended the Europa League campaign with a 1-0 win against Nice. Nobody expected that they would qualify from such a tough group, but they can be satisfied with the results.
מסיימים קמפיין עם ניצחון! ❤️❤️
Posted by מועדון הכדורגל הפועל באר שבע - Hapoel Beer Sheva FC on Thursday, 10 December 2020
At the end of the group stage, Hapoel Be'er Sheva can be satisfied a bit with this campaign. During the short summer break, the Israeli cup holders were in an unstable situation. The future was uncertain, not only due to the coronavirus crisis. The team's owner, Alona Barkat, considered leaving the team. The team that became a powerhouse in Israeli football was close to falling.
The European campaign wouldn't take Hapoel Be'er Sheva back to the championship race, but it might make the club's future better. No one thought the Hapoel Be'er Sheva could make such a journey to the group stage, so the early elimination wasn't a real surprise. For the club, the future income from UEFA prize money should be a significant upgrade. Also, players that made decent performances, such as Elton Acolatse, could be part of their way back to the top places.
As the European tour has finally come to its end, Hapoel Be'er Sheva would try to get back to the league in the same mood.
Thumbnail photo by Hapoel Be’er Sheva FC and Lior Moskovich.
