Atalanta vs Hapoel Tel Aviv prediction 20.08.2026 | Conference League

Atalanta enters this one on the back of a 1-0 pre-season victory over Athletic Bilbao. La Dea wrapped up their summer preparations with consecutive clean-sheet wins, including a resounding 3-0 triumph against Schalke.

Gian Piero Gasperini's men are desperate to rebuild momentum after a brutally difficult domestic campaign last season left them outside Europe's elite tier.

La Dea completely lost their footing in Bergamo at the tail end of last season. Gasperini's side were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Genoa, suffered a narrow 1-0 loss against Juventus, and dropped their final home league game 1-0 to Bologna.

While summer friendlies brought some relief, their official competitive form here remains incredibly shaky. Keep an eye on Nicola Zalewski, who made his presence felt by netting the match-winner against Bilbao.

On the injury front, defensive anchor Isak Hien remains a noticeable absentee as he continues a lengthy recovery from major thigh surgery. I honestly think they have too much quality here. Hapoel will struggle.

Hapoel Tel Aviv enters this one on the back of a vital 2-1 Toto Cup semifinal win over Hapoel Ironi Kiryat Shmona. The Red Demons have enjoyed a dramatic rise under manager Elyaniv Barda, bouncing back to navigate an impressive European qualifying adventure.

They completely handled Ludogorets 4-2 on aggregate in the second round before edging past GKS Katowice 3-2 to book this playoff ticket.

However, their away form in Europe remains a massive headache. They are currently winless on the road in continental play this season, having managed a 2-2 draw in Bulgaria before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in Poland.

Keep a close eye on star forward Stav Toriel, whose incredible 12 goals and 6 assists last season carried this side forward. I honestly think keeping a clean sheet here is nearly impossible, but if they snatch an away goal, anything can happen.