Be'er Sheva Seeks to Make History Against Olympiacos in the Champions League Qualifiers

The odds were stacked against Hapoel Be'er Sheva, a little known Israeli soccer team during the first leg of their Champions League qualifier against Olympiacos last week. Bet365 Sports had them at 10.00 to win and a draw was at high odds as well. I guess that the sports books didn't take a few variables into consideration when setting odds ahead of that match. For example, Olympiacos was playing in its first game under a new head coach, Hapoel had just won its first Israeli League Championship in 40 years and the fact that more than 1,800 fans from Be'er Sheva traveled to Greece to watch their team on an international stage.

Well it all worked and Hapoel was able to hold Greek champions Olympiacos to a 0-0 draw in front of a disappointed Greek stadium. The Israeli side almost stole the game with a number of chances on the home side goal, and now the second leg that will be played tonight at the brand new Turner stadium in Be'er Sheva could be the first time for this small team with a tiny budget to make the Champions League.

Be'er Sheva's top players like John Ugo, Ben Sahar, Elianiv Barda, Anthony Nwakaeme and all-star defenders like Ofir Davidzada, Shir Tzedek and Ben Biton have been absolutely incredible. There is however one of the best goalies in the Israeli League and definitely up there in the rankings in Europe in Dudu Goresh. Goresh has made more acrobatic saves that most goalies would ever dream of making and he has saved Be'er Sheva from losing key matches at key times.

Champions League Qualifying Betting

Bet365 is all of the Champions League Qualifying matches, posting attractive and competitive odds ahead of each match. Tonight, the Greek champions are still favorites, but not nearly as much as the first leg at 2.05, while the Be'er Sheva team is at 4.00. A draw after 90 minutes is 3.10, but this match will not go to extra time in my opinion.