Hapoel Beer Sheva fell 2-1 to AZ Alkmaar in Europa League action, with Mexx Meerdink converting a late penalty to secure the win for the Dutch hosts. The match was played without Beer Sheva supporters after Alkmaar authorities raised security concerns.

Both sides were cautious in a goalless first half, but the game opened up after the break. AZ took the lead in the 49th minute when Valdemar Byskov picked out Peer Koopmeiners in the box, and the latter finished to make it 1-0.

Beer Sheva responded just five minutes later. Zahi Ahmed won possession in the area and set up Amankwah Forson, who fired home to level the score at 1-1.

AZ continued to push for a winner and eventually found it in the 77th minute. Following a collision between Djibril Diop and Bendeguz Kovacs in the box, VAR intervened and awarded the hosts a penalty. Meerdink made no mistake from the spot to seal the 2-1 victory.

Beer Sheva head coach Ran Kozuk was disappointed with the result but proud of his team’s performance.

“I really hate losing, but I’m proud of the guys. It was a respectable performance that will teach us a lot going forward. The first goal was really frustrating. We had discussed the ball that led to it in our preparations, but that’s the strength of this team: it responds. Even after the second goal, we kept playing and created chances.

“I know what kind of team we were up against, even if they made a lot of changes,” Kozuk continued. “I really like this competition because I think it will help us improve as a team and as individual players. I think we took a step forward here, but now we need to turn that progress into wins.”