ByDanny Caro, Danny Caro
Hapoel Tel Aviv’s Europa League hopes are hanging by a thread after they were stunned 3-0 by FC Astana of Kazakhstan on Thursday.
Hapoel made the worst possible start as Orel Dgani saw red after just 16 minutes. Things went from bad to worse as Roger Canas fired the hosts ahead from the penalty spot moments later.
Second half strikes from captain Tanat Nusserbayev and Abzal Beisebekov left Hapoel with an uphill task against next week’s second leg which will be played at a neutral venue due to the current security situation in Israel.
It was also a night to forget for Hapoel Be’er Sheva who went down 2-1 aganst RNK Split.
Maor Buzaglo put the Israelis in front with what could prove to be a crucial away goal on 30 minutes.
But the hosts rallied in the second half and strikes from substitute Tomislav Dujmovic and Mate Bilic turned the game on its head.