Hapoel Tel Aviv returned to the top tier of Israeli football just this past season and finished fourth overall following the Championship Playoffs which earned them a spot in Conference League qualifying as they were drawn to play against Ludogorets Razgrad.

Hapoel was unseeded in the draw and therefore were going to most probably get a tough opponent and that’s exactly what occurred as they are paired with one of Bulgaria’s biggest clubs and frequent participant in European competitions. The first leg of the second qualifying round will be played on July 23, with Hapoel officially “hosting” the match in Miskolc, Hungary while the return leg will take place in Bulgaria a week later.

To reach the Conference League league phase, Hapoel will need to get through three rounds, the second qualifying round, the third qualifying round and then the playoff round. If they eliminate Ludogorets, the third qualifying round will be played on August 6 and 13, while the playoffs are scheduled for August 20 and 27.

Ludogorets was originally founded in 1945 and for most of its history, it competed in Bulgaria’s lower divisions until its “golden era” began in 2010 when new investors took over and transformed the club into Bulgaria’s dominant force. In 2011, Ludogorets reached the top division for the first time and immediately won a historic league title in its debut season (2011/12).

That success launched an incredible streak of 14 consecutive league championships, along with three Bulgarian Cup victories. However, in the 2025 season the club suffered a setback, losing the title and finishing only third in the championship playoffs. In Europe, Ludogorets has built a reputation as a dangerous and competitive side and reached the UEFA Champions League group stage twice (2014/15 and 2016/17) while also enjoying successful runs in the UEFA Europa League knockout rounds.

Ludogorets plays its home matches at Huvepharma Arena in the city of Razgrad and is coached by Per-Mathias Høgmo, an experienced Norwegian manager known for a tactical and disciplined style focused on possession and quick transitions.

Israeli central defender Idan Nachmias formerly of Maccabi Tel Aviv anchors the Ludogorets backline and could be of aid to the Bulgarian side when preparing for Hapoel Tel Aviv

For Hapoel supporters, the most intriguing storyline may be in Ludogorets’ defense, where Israeli center-back Idan Nachmias plays. The former Maccabi Tel Aviv defender’s familiarity with Israeli football could help the Bulgarian side prepare for the matchup. Back in 2017/18 Champions League third round qualifying, Hapoel Beer Sheva eliminated the Bulgarians as they dropped down to the Europa League playoffs where they advanced to that competition’s groups stage.