Hapoel Tel Aviv
AtalantaBy Babatunde Sowole — Football Expert on European & South American Cups
Hapoel Tel Aviv have developed a habit of making life miserable for Italian opposition. Across five official meetings with Serie A sides, the Israeli outfit have lost only once—and that includes the goalless stalemate they ground out against Atalanta in Bergamo last week. The pattern is becoming worrying for the Nerazzurri: they have reached the knockout stages of European competition in each of the last three seasons, yet now face the very real prospect of being dumped out before the group phase even begins.
After the first leg, Hapoel enjoyed a full week without a match, but rhythm is not an issue. They have already played seven official fixtures this season, losing only one. That run includes reaching the Toto Cup final (Israel’s third-tier cup competition) and navigating two Conference League qualifiers—eliminating Ludogorets (2-0, 2-2) and Katowice (2-0, 1-2). In Bergamo, Elianiv Barda’s men parked the bus with discipline, launching only occasional vertical counterattacks. Yet they still managed to generate nearly as much quality as the hosts: 0.72 xG against 0.77 xG.
Expect the same approach at their nominal home ground—in reality, the team plays its European matches in Debrecen, Hungary. However, the counters should be sharper. On this “home” turf in the current campaign, Hapoel fire almost twice as many shots on target as they do away (8.5 per game versus 4.3). The only potential hitch is the likely absence of Stavi Turiel, who has contributed two goals and one assist in Conference League qualifying but missed the first leg through injury. New signing Douglas Owusu has not yet fully adapted to the system; last week the right flank was noticeably quieter than usual.
This Atalanta side bears little resemblance to the one that won the Europa League two years ago. Maurizio Sarri’s philosophy is taking time to settle, and the team struggles to create chances in settled possession. After the European stalemate, they edged Sassuolo 2-1 in the Serie A opener, but the performance was unconvincing. Once again, like against Hapoel, they managed less than 1.0 expected goals (0.91 xG), while the opposition (2.68 xG) deserved the three points far more.
Injury problems in defence compound the issues. Sarri is missing three centre-backs, leaving Kossounou and Scalvini as the only fit pairing. Scalvini, moreover, picked up a minor knock last week and is not at full sharpness. The brighter news is the return of Charles De Ketelaere, who played 30 minutes against Sassuolo. With the need to unlock a deep Israeli block again, the Belgian playmaker is expected to start, replacing the more direct Nicola Zalewski.
Hapoel Tel Aviv (4-2-3-1): Tzur – Coco, Mayembo, Chico, Leidner – Falcao, Kraev – Owusu, Alkukin, Altman – Dappa Doubtful: Turiel, Boateng Head coach: Elianiv Barda
Atalanta (4-3-3): Carnesecchi – Zappacosta, Kossounou, Scalvini, Bernasconi – Pasalic, Gaetano, Ederson – De Ketelaere, Krstovic, Raspadori Out: Hin, Kristensen, Akhanor, K. Sulemana (all injured) Head coach: Maurizio Sarri
Atalanta have been made heavy favourites in both official matches this season, yet they have failed to live up to the billing in either—a drab draw with Hapoel and a fortunate escape against Sassuolo. The odds on their opponents are again generous, and this time we recommend taking them. There is nothing to stop the Israelis from repeating the disciplined low-block approach that stumped Sarri’s men a week ago. Moreover, the Lombardy side (even under a different coach) lost all three away European ties they played in the current calendar year. Hapoel, by contrast, have won both of their nominal home games in 2026/27 Conference League qualifying. The pick is Hapoel not to lose at 2.40.
Total goals: Expect another low-scoring affair. In Debrecen, Hapoel have been even more solid defensively in this European campaign—conceding zero goals in two previous qualifying rounds on the “DVTK” pitch. Atalanta, for their part, have not exceeded 0.91 xG in either official match under Sarri. The under 2.5 goals at 2.12 is an appealing secondary option.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Hapoel Tel Aviv4-2-3-1
Atalanta4-3-3The Under 2.5 goals line at 2.05 for Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Atalanta in the Conference League on August 27 is a sharp pick. I see real value here and that’s exactly where my money goes.
The 0-0 first leg was misleading — plenty of chances flew both ways, and with the tie still open, neither side can afford to sit back. I’m backing both teams to score here. Atalanta are still adapting to Gasperini’s new system, and their defence looks chaotic: against Sassuolo they allowed 22 shots and 2.72 xG, and now they’ve lost starting centre-back Scalvini to injury. Hapoel Tel Aviv are sharp from a busy summer schedule, dangerous on the break — Boateng already had a clear chance in Bergamo, and Turiel is back. They’ve scored in every qualification round so far, against Ludogorets and Katowice. Stopping Atalanta’s attack twice in a row seems unlikely too; Scamacca, Raspadori and Krtovic are already finding the net in Serie A. The final stat that seals it: in 8 of Atalanta’s last 9 official away matches, both teams scored. I’m taking the over on goals from both sides.
Atalanta’s trip to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League should see some goals after the break. I’m backing over two goals in the second half at 2.80 — both sides have the quality to push for a result, and that often leads to open play late on.
In the first match, corner totals stayed low, and both sides tend to keep their games tight from set pieces. I'm backing Under 7.5 corners here—the odds of 2.46 offer solid value for a bet that has held true in their recent encounters.
Atalanta’s game is built on relentless pressure in the final third, and that kind of attacking volume tends to pile up corner after corner. Against Hapoel Tel Aviv, the corner count should climb past 9.5, and at 2.36 the value is clear.
Both teams to score looks like the right call here. I'm backing Hapoel Tel Aviv and Atalanta to find the net in this Conference League clash.
The odds at 1.80 offer solid value for what I expect to be an open game with goals at both ends.
The match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Atalanta is straightforward for me. Atalanta simply must crush the Israeli side without any drama.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is a completely different side when playing at Bloomfield Stadium. The Israeli side will be fired up for this Conference League clash, and I believe they can keep things competitive against Atalanta, holding them to a one-goal margin at worst. The handicap line of +1 for the home team offers decent value at 1.94, especially given their strong home record.
Atalanta’s corner count is the angle I’m playing here. They’ve got the quality to dominate possession and push forward against Hapoel Tel Aviv, which should translate into plenty of set-piece opportunities. The line is set at over 4.5 corners for the visitors, and with their attacking style, I see them clearing that mark with ease.
This isn’t a gamble on a fluke—it’s backed by the way Atalanta operate. They’re aggressive from the wings and tend to force defenders into conceding corners, especially against sides that sit deep. Hapoel will likely absorb pressure, but that only means more chances for Atalanta to rack up corners. The odds at 1.89 offer solid value for what I expect to be a straightforward bet.
This one shapes up as another tight, pragmatic affair where a single goal could decide everything. That’s why I’m backing under 2.5 goals.
Atalanta’s trip to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League is set for a corner bonanza. I’m backing the total to fly past 10.5 at a juicy 2.88. Both sides have the attacking tempo and defensive pressure to force repeated set pieces, making this a high-volume affair from the first whistle.
I'm backing Atalanta to cover the -1 handicap against Hapoel Tel Aviv. That's my pick for this Conference League clash.
Hapoel Tel Aviv versus Atalanta in the Conference League qualifiers — the class gap is massive. Atalanta are one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Serie A, and their individual quality and speed of thought are miles ahead of what the Israeli side can offer. The first leg ended 0-0, which was a surprise, but that result only sharpens the focus for the return match. Atalanta absolutely need a win to reach the group stage, and there’s no chance they underestimate the opponent again. They’ll come out pressing hard from the first whistle, and I expect them to cover the –1 handicap with ease.
Hapoel Tel Aviv always look sharp when Italian clubs come to town, and there's no reason that changes now. I'm backing them to get on the scoresheet at least once in front of their home fans.
Atalanta will certainly try to create chances away from home, but I don't see them blowing this one open. A tight, low-scoring contest is the more likely outcome, so I'm backing under 2.5 goals at 2.09.
Atalanta covering a -1.5 handicap against Hapoel Tel Aviv is the move. I’m backing the visitors to win by at least two goals in this Conference League clash.
The Conference League match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Atalanta looks set to be another low-scoring affair. I'm backing both teams to not score here, as I expect a tight, defensive game.
Maurizio Sarri's teams are built on a defensive foundation. That's exactly why I'm backing Hapoel Tel Aviv under 0.5 goals at 2.22 – the hosts will struggle to create anything against that disciplined backline.
Under 1 goal in the first half is the clear play here. Both sides are deep in a scoring drought, and Atalanta isn't sharp enough to blow teams away from the opening whistle. Hapoel Tel Aviv, meanwhile, is banking on a tight defensive setup, which should keep the first 45 minutes low on action.
Atalanta are heavy favorites against Hapoel Tel Aviv in this Conference League clash, and I see no reason to doubt them. A win here is the only acceptable outcome — losing would be an outright embarrassment. I'm backing the visitors to take care of business and move on.
The corner count for Hapoel Tel Aviv against Atalanta in the Conference League is set to stay very low again. I’m backing under 9.5 corners at 1.85 — the pattern points to another quiet match from the flanks.
Atalanta averages about five corners per match on their own, so this bet lines up well with their usual output. I'm expecting them to hit at least five again here against Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League. The coefficient of 1.80 offers good value for a stat that’s consistently in their favor.
Atalanta are heavy favorites here, and I’m backing them to cover a -1.5 goal handicap against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The Serie A side has the quality to win this Conference League matchup by two or more goals.
This isn’t a close contest—Atalanta’s attacking strength should overwhelm the hosts. With odds at 2.43, this is solid value for a team that can easily run up the score.
Atalanta are heavy favorites against Hapoel Tel Aviv in this Conference League clash, and I see no reason to doubt them. A win here is the only acceptable outcome — losing would be an outright embarrassment. I'm backing the visitors to take care of business and move on.
Atalanta’s trip to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League should see some goals after the break. I’m backing over two goals in the second half at 2.80 — both sides have the quality to push for a result, and that often leads to open play late on.
Atalanta’s game is built on relentless pressure in the final third, and that kind of attacking volume tends to pile up corner after corner. Against Hapoel Tel Aviv, the corner count should climb past 9.5, and at 2.36 the value is clear.
Atalanta’s corner count is the angle I’m playing here. They’ve got the quality to dominate possession and push forward against Hapoel Tel Aviv, which should translate into plenty of set-piece opportunities. The line is set at over 4.5 corners for the visitors, and with their attacking style, I see them clearing that mark with ease.
This isn’t a gamble on a fluke—it’s backed by the way Atalanta operate. They’re aggressive from the wings and tend to force defenders into conceding corners, especially against sides that sit deep. Hapoel will likely absorb pressure, but that only means more chances for Atalanta to rack up corners. The odds at 1.89 offer solid value for what I expect to be a straightforward bet.
Atalanta’s trip to Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League is set for a corner bonanza. I’m backing the total to fly past 10.5 at a juicy 2.88. Both sides have the attacking tempo and defensive pressure to force repeated set pieces, making this a high-volume affair from the first whistle.
Hapoel Tel Aviv always look sharp when Italian clubs come to town, and there's no reason that changes now. I'm backing them to get on the scoresheet at least once in front of their home fans.
Atalanta averages about five corners per match on their own, so this bet lines up well with their usual output. I'm expecting them to hit at least five again here against Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Conference League. The coefficient of 1.80 offers good value for a stat that’s consistently in their favor.
The Under 2.5 goals line at 2.05 for Hapoel Tel Aviv vs Atalanta in the Conference League on August 27 is a sharp pick. I see real value here and that’s exactly where my money goes.
In the first match, corner totals stayed low, and both sides tend to keep their games tight from set pieces. I'm backing Under 7.5 corners here—the odds of 2.46 offer solid value for a bet that has held true in their recent encounters.
This one shapes up as another tight, pragmatic affair where a single goal could decide everything. That’s why I’m backing under 2.5 goals.
Atalanta will certainly try to create chances away from home, but I don't see them blowing this one open. A tight, low-scoring contest is the more likely outcome, so I'm backing under 2.5 goals at 2.09.
Maurizio Sarri's teams are built on a defensive foundation. That's exactly why I'm backing Hapoel Tel Aviv under 0.5 goals at 2.22 – the hosts will struggle to create anything against that disciplined backline.
Under 1 goal in the first half is the clear play here. Both sides are deep in a scoring drought, and Atalanta isn't sharp enough to blow teams away from the opening whistle. Hapoel Tel Aviv, meanwhile, is banking on a tight defensive setup, which should keep the first 45 minutes low on action.
The corner count for Hapoel Tel Aviv against Atalanta in the Conference League is set to stay very low again. I’m backing under 9.5 corners at 1.85 — the pattern points to another quiet match from the flanks.
The match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Atalanta is straightforward for me. Atalanta simply must crush the Israeli side without any drama.
Hapoel Tel Aviv is a completely different side when playing at Bloomfield Stadium. The Israeli side will be fired up for this Conference League clash, and I believe they can keep things competitive against Atalanta, holding them to a one-goal margin at worst. The handicap line of +1 for the home team offers decent value at 1.94, especially given their strong home record.
I'm backing Atalanta to cover the -1 handicap against Hapoel Tel Aviv. That's my pick for this Conference League clash.
Hapoel Tel Aviv versus Atalanta in the Conference League qualifiers — the class gap is massive. Atalanta are one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Serie A, and their individual quality and speed of thought are miles ahead of what the Israeli side can offer. The first leg ended 0-0, which was a surprise, but that result only sharpens the focus for the return match. Atalanta absolutely need a win to reach the group stage, and there’s no chance they underestimate the opponent again. They’ll come out pressing hard from the first whistle, and I expect them to cover the –1 handicap with ease.
Atalanta covering a -1.5 handicap against Hapoel Tel Aviv is the move. I’m backing the visitors to win by at least two goals in this Conference League clash.
Atalanta are heavy favorites here, and I’m backing them to cover a -1.5 goal handicap against Hapoel Tel Aviv. The Serie A side has the quality to win this Conference League matchup by two or more goals.
This isn’t a close contest—Atalanta’s attacking strength should overwhelm the hosts. With odds at 2.43, this is solid value for a team that can easily run up the score.
The 0-0 first leg was misleading — plenty of chances flew both ways, and with the tie still open, neither side can afford to sit back. I’m backing both teams to score here. Atalanta are still adapting to Gasperini’s new system, and their defence looks chaotic: against Sassuolo they allowed 22 shots and 2.72 xG, and now they’ve lost starting centre-back Scalvini to injury. Hapoel Tel Aviv are sharp from a busy summer schedule, dangerous on the break — Boateng already had a clear chance in Bergamo, and Turiel is back. They’ve scored in every qualification round so far, against Ludogorets and Katowice. Stopping Atalanta’s attack twice in a row seems unlikely too; Scamacca, Raspadori and Krtovic are already finding the net in Serie A. The final stat that seals it: in 8 of Atalanta’s last 9 official away matches, both teams scored. I’m taking the over on goals from both sides.
Both teams to score looks like the right call here. I'm backing Hapoel Tel Aviv and Atalanta to find the net in this Conference League clash.
The odds at 1.80 offer solid value for what I expect to be an open game with goals at both ends.
The Conference League match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Atalanta looks set to be another low-scoring affair. I'm backing both teams to not score here, as I expect a tight, defensive game.
The match is on 27 August 2026 at 19:00 local time, played at the DVTK Stadium in Debrecen, Hungary – Hapoel’s nominal home ground for European fixtures.
Atalanta are heavy favourites, but the prediction suggests betting on Hapoel not to lose (double chance) at 2.40 odds, citing the Israeli side’s disciplined low block and Atalanta’s poor away form in Europe this year.
Atalanta are missing three centre-backs (Hin, Kristensen, Akhanor, K. Sulemana) and Scalvini is not fully sharp after a minor knock, leaving only Kossounou and an unfit Scalvini as the available pairing.
Hapoel have won both of their nominal home matches in 2026/27 Conference League qualifying, conceding zero goals at the DVTK pitch.
Hapoel have been solid defensively at home in Europe and Atalanta have not exceeded 0.91 xG in any official match under Sarri. The under 2.5 goals market is priced at 2.12.