Sabah Baku produced a memorable European night at home, edging Hapoel Beer Sheva 3-2 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League encounter on 26 August 2026. The Azerbaijani side overturned an early deficit with a spirited attacking display, scoring three times to seize control of the tie and give their fans a famous victory under the lights of Baku.

Match Overview

The match began at a furious tempo, with Hapoel Beer Sheva looking to impose themselves on the road. The Israeli visitors struck first, silencing the home crowd with a well-worked opener that showcased their counter-attacking threat. But Sabah Baku responded with immediate determination, pressing high and forcing mistakes in the final third. By the interval, the hosts had flipped the script, taking a lead that reflected their growing dominance in midfield and wide areas.

Key Moments

• Early setback: Hapoel Beer Sheva opened the scoring inside the opening exchanges, catching Sabah Baku’s defence off guard with a precise finish.
• Sabah response: The home side equalised with a powerful strike from the edge of the box, igniting the crowd and shifting momentum.
• Second-half swing: Sabah Baku added two more goals in quick succession, putting themselves firmly in the driving seat before a late consolation gave Hapoel hope.
• Nervy finish: The final minutes saw Hapoel push forward, but Sabah Baku held on to secure a precious first-leg advantage.

Tactical Story

Sabah Baku’s manager set his team up in a proactive 4-2-3-1 shape, looking to control the midfield through quick passing and movement between the lines. Hapoel Beer Sheva, by contrast, were compact and dangerous on the break, looking to exploit the space left behind Sabah’s full-backs. The turning point came when Sabah Baku adjusted their press, denying Hapoel time on the ball and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas.

Hapoel’s late goal ensured the tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg, but Sabah Baku will take great confidence from their attacking output and resilience in front of their own supporters.

Standout Players

• Sabah Baku’s attacking midfielders were the catalysts, repeatedly driving at Hapoel’s defence and creating overloads in central areas.
• Hapoel Beer Sheva’s forward line remained a threat throughout, particularly in transition, and their away goal could prove crucial in the return fixture.

What It Means

For Sabah Baku, this 3-2 victory is a significant statement on the continental stage. It gives them a narrow but valuable cushion ahead of the second leg in Israel. Hapoel Beer Sheva, meanwhile, will rue defensive lapses but take comfort from scoring twice away from home, knowing a single-goal victory in front of their own fans would see them advance.