"Already during the warm-up, we said to each other that it feels like Bloomfield to us"

It is not certain that Hapoel Tel Aviv will overcome Ludogorets on aggregate, but on Thursday in Hungary, the team and its fans managed to create an experience, a memory, and another moment of immense joy in the club's new era. A 2:0 victory over Ludogorets in the first of two matches in the Conference League qualifiers was exactly what the 'Reds' had hoped for. Over 5,000 fans arrived in Hungary to support the team in their return to European competitions after 12 years, and were rewarded with one of the team's best performances in recent years.

And yet, this is only the first leg. Adrian Kraev said after the match that the 'Reds' wanted the win more, but there is no guarantee that the return leg in Bulgaria will look the same. Ludogorets is a team loaded with talent, and the coaching staff modestly summarized:

"We will need to excel even more to advance; today's victory gives us a chance, but this is only the first half."

Omri Altman, who scored the opening goal with a header after joining from the second line, said:

"Already during the warm-up, we said to each other that it feels like Bloomfield to us. It is a tremendous experience, kudos to everyone who came to support. We were dominant from the first minute, but this is only the first game. We need to go to Bulgaria and excel once again."

One of the most prominent players for Hapoel Tel Aviv was Doron Leidner. Much criticism had been directed at Elyaniv Barda, who decided to substitute the left-back in the middle of the first half during the match against Beitar Jerusalem. The coach wanted to send the player a message regarding his expectations, and it worked. Leidner, knowing he does not have a guaranteed spot in the lineup, delivered his best game since returning to Hapoel Tel Aviv, perhaps signaling a turning point for his season.