Goals from Ben Sahar, Shir Tzedek, Hanan Maman and Hen Ezra helped Hapoel destroy the Estonian champions ahead of next week’s second leg in Israel.

The win capped an important few days for Hapoel who have agreed a long-term partnership with Europa League winners Atletico Madrid that will see the La Liga giants open an academy in Israel.

The new set up, which will be based in Beer Sheva, will allow the two clubs to interchange cultures and share values with the overall aim of improving the Israeli Premier League champions’ youth system.

“Atlético de Madrid is one of the best teams in the world. For many years, they’ve been raising academy players in a great way,” said Hapoel Beer Sheva president Alona Barkat. “I’m positive this alliance with [Atletico’s] academy will help us keep growing.”

“The main objective is that this academy is open to people of all religions and cultures,” said Miguel Ángel Gil, chief executive of Atletico. “We want to integrate everyone through a common project, based on the values of sport.”