The UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying rounds delivered a pulsating encounter at the Ludogorets Arena as Bulgarian giants Ludogorets Razgrad and Israeli side Hapoel Tel Aviv played out a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their tie. The match, held on July 31, 2026, offered a feast of attacking football and late drama, leaving everything to play for in the return leg.

Match Overview

Ludogorets, the reigning Bulgarian champions, took the game to Hapoel from the first whistle, but the visitors showed their quality on the counter. The hosts opened the scoring midway through the first half when a delicate through ball split the defense and was slotted home by their leading striker. Hapoel responded with a well-worked equalizer just before the break, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse.

Second Half Drama

The second half saw Ludogorets regain the lead early through a powerful header from a corner kick. However, Hapoel Tel Aviv showed remarkable resilience. With 15 minutes left, they equalized again after a swift counter-attack that ended with a composed finish past the home goalkeeper. Both teams pushed for a winner, but the 2-2 scoreline stood, giving the Israeli side a slight advantage with two away goals.

Standout Players

• Ludogorets: Their central midfielder controlled the tempo and provided an assist, while the goalkeeper made several key saves.
• Hapoel Tel Aviv: The wingers caused constant problems with their pace, and the striker’s two clinical finishes were decisive.

The return leg in Israel promises to be another fascinating chapter, with Ludogorets needing to score to keep their European hopes alive.