Hapoel Be'er Sheva visit the Městský Stadion on Thursday for the first leg of their clash against Mlada Boleslav in the Europa Conference League third qualifying round. Aiming for their second appearance in the tournament finals, Be'er Sheva overcame Bulgarian side Cherno More in the last round. A goalless stalemate at home was followed by a 2-1 win away from home.
The Israeli outfit went in front through Helder Lopes in the 25th minute, but Andreias Calcan equalized for the hosts eight minutes later. Following some tense exchanges, Be'er Sheva restored their lead after the hour mark as Lopes came back to haunt Cherno More with a second goal, which eventually proved enough to win the match (and the tie).
On the other hand, Mlada Boleslav are looking to end a 17-year wait to play in a major European competition again. They reached this stage after overcoming Lithuania's TransINVEST 3-0 on aggregate in the last round.
The Czech Republic side won the first leg at home 2-0 courtesy of goals from Tomas Ladra and Vasil Kusej, before a narrow 1-0 win in the second. Matyas Vojta was the scorer that day as the Bolka completed the double.
Mlada Boleslav vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- The sides meet for the first time in history.
- Hapoel Be'er Sheva have faced a Czech Republic side on seven occasions before, winning only twice: a 3-1 win over Slavia Prague in the 2020-21 Europa League group stages, and a 1-0 win over Viktoria Plzen in the qualifying round of the same tournament.
- Mlada Boleslav have a 100% win record in the 2024-25 season so far, beating TransINVEST home and away in the last round of the qualifiers, interspersed between a 3-0 league win over Slovacko.
- Mlada Boleslav are yet to concede a goal this season, keeping a clean sheet in all three official matches of the season thus far.
Mlada Boleslav vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva Prediction
Mlada Boleslav lack the experience that their rivals from Israel have, but their strong start to the new season gives them confidence. Be'er Sheva won't have it as easy as they did in the last round. A draw seems to be the likely outcome here, with all to play for in the return leg.
Prediction: Mlada Boleslav 1-1 Hapoel Be'er Sheva
Mlada Boleslav vs Hapoel Be'er Sheva Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes