Sense of missed opportunity at Hapoel Tel Aviv: "We were equal to Atalanta, if not better"

Hapoel Tel Aviv said goodbye to Europe yesterday, Thursday, after being eliminated in the Conference League qualification playoff stage by Atalanta. The Reds, who put up a fight for 180 minutes against the Italian team — which won the Europa League just about two years ago — lost 1-0 in the "home" game held in Miskolc, Hungary, and were very close to causing a major upset. Elyaniv Barda's team displayed a brave and determined game, especially in the second leg, but struggled to translate the situations they reached into goals. Ultimately, one goal decided the contest and stopped Hapoel's European journey, after six matches in the campaign.

"A feeling of very big disappointment. We were equal if not better. There was a feeling that we were completely there. We were much better than in the first game. We improved a lot of elements. Disappointing. By the margin of a goal, with the opportunities we had," Barda said at the end.

The coach also addressed the possibility of the club strengthening following the elimination: "We are always alert in the market and will always be ready to respond if necessary." Despite the elimination, Barda chose to look at the path his team took positively: "I am very proud of the players. A great game. Mental preparation and great belief that it is possible to pass. Our journey unfortunately was cut short, and already on Sunday the league begins, our bread and butter. We will want to repeat the achievement that brought us to Europe this season."

Omri Altman also found it difficult to hide the sense of missed opportunity: "We felt we could do it, from the first minute. We felt equal if not better than them. In the end, it is measured by the small details at these levels, and it's a pity." Altman also dedicated his words to the team's fans, who accompanied it throughout the European campaign: "I have no words for the fans. Even after the loss. I don't think there is such a thing in Europe. They were with us for six matches, six exciting, fun journeys. An amazing experience, really. I am sure this is just the beginning and we will start a tradition. Kudos to the fans who were there from the first minute to the last, and even after the game."

Despite the result, in Italy they were very impressed by the ability shown by Hapoel Tel Aviv. In "Corriere dello Sport" they praised the Reds and wrote that "Hapoel Tel Aviv looked good, it received a significant boost from its crowd." It was also noted that "the Reds attacked and put the Atalanta defense under huge pressure," and that the Israeli team "built its attacks with a lot of thought." In "Gazzetta dello Sport" they also gave compliments to Hapoel: "Hapoel Tel Aviv completely dominated the start of the game," while emphasizing that Maurizio Sarri's team "was pushed back and struggled to get forward." In "Sky Sport Italia" they were also impressed: "The Reds attacked patiently, this is a very dangerous team that almost stunned Atalanta. Hapoel proved that it is high quality, it was a tough hurdle."