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Hapoel Tel Aviv will face Atalanta at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv on Thursday for the second leg of their UEFA Conference League clash.
The tie remains delicately balanced after a draw in the first leg at Bergamo, with Maurizio Sarri's new-look Atalanta side having a lot of work in this return leg.
With the away goals rule no longer in play, this second leg is effectively a fresh contest, one where Elyaniv Barda's side will fancy their chances of springing a European upset.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Atalanta key stats
- Hapoel Tel Aviv have failed to keep a clean sheet in three of their last five games across all competitions.
- Atalanta have scored at least a goal in five of their last six games across all competitions.
- Atalanta have not lost in their last four games across all competitions.
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Atalanta preview: Sarri faces first European test away from home
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Atalanta — Tale of the Tape
| Hapoel Tel Aviv | vs | Atalanta |
|---|---|---|
| NA | Position | 6th |
| 0 | Points | 3 |
| 0 | Goals For | 2 |
| 0 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 0 | Clean Sheets | 0 |
| NA | Home / Away Rank | 3rd/NA |
Hapoel Tel Aviv have already had to navigate two qualifying rounds to reach the playoff stage.
The Israeli club eliminated Ludogorets in the second round before edging past GKS Katowice 3-2 on aggregate in the following round, despite suffering defeat in the second leg.
Their European adventure comes after an encouraging domestic campaign last season, when Hapoel finished fourth in the Israeli Premier League following their return to the top flight.
Elyaniv Barda's side have yet to begin their 2026-27 league campaign, giving them additional time to recover from their demanding European schedule.
They were also given the weekend off after their trip to Italy, while their recent victory over Ironi Kiryat Shmona in the Toto Cup semi-finals provided further competitive preparation.
The decisive fixture will be played in Miskolc, Hungary, with UEFA sanctions preventing Hapoel from hosting the match in Israel.
Atalanta, meanwhile, will be determined to produce a stronger performance after failing to make home advantage count in the opening leg.
Maurizio Sarri's side were frustrated with a 0-0 result in the new manager’s first competitive match at the helm of La Dea.
The Italian side are entering a new era following a turbulent period in the dugout after Gian Piero Gasperini's nine-year reign came to an end after years of remarkable success.
Subsequent spells under Ivan Juric and Raffaele Palladino proved relatively brief. Palladino nevertheless managed to guide Atalanta into European competition before Sarri was appointed.
The experienced coach has yet to taste defeat since taking charge and finally saw his side claim their first competitive victory at the weekend.
Atalanta opened their Serie A campaign against Sassuolo and secured a 2-1 victory, with Giacomo Raspadori and Nikola Krstovic finding the net.
Sarri will now want his team to carry that attacking momentum into Europe. Another victory would not only send Atalanta through to the league phase but also provide an important early boost to his new era.
With no away advantage for either side and the first leg producing nothing to separate them, the smallest of margins could determine who progresses.
Hapoel Tel Aviv vs. Atalanta form guide & betting tips
| Hapoel Tel Aviv | vs | Atalanta |
|---|---|---|
DWLWD |
Form | LWWDW |
| 7 | Goals For | 7 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 3 |
WLD |
Conference League qualification | D |
Whispers predicts: Hapoel Tel Aviv 0-1 Atalanta
Atalanta's squad quality and firepower give them an edge over their opponent in this second-leg encounter.
We do not expect this clash to be an easy game for the visitors, as the hosts have had a good home record in their qualifying round of the Conference League.
They have won their last two home games and have only lost once in their last five game in the qualifying series.
The bookmakers have tipped Atalanta as clear favourites to progress, with their odds priced around 33/50 (1.66).
A draw, which would send the tie to extra time given the goalless aggregate, should be valued near 29/10 (3.90), while a home win for Hapoel Tel Aviv is at 14/5 (3.80).
Also, under 2.5 goals looks the sensible pick following their goalless draw in the first leg, and it is given at 23/20 (2.15).
For both teams to score (no), the odds are at 11/10 (2.10), while a first-half draw is given at 137/100 (2.37).
> Away to win at 33/50 (1.66) | Likelihood: Possible
> Under 2.5 goals at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Probable
> Both teams to score (no) at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Probable
> First-half draw at 137/100 (2.37) | Likelihood: Probable