Hapoel suffer Champions League misery in Zagreb

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Barak Bakhar refused to blame goalkeeper Giannis Anestis after Hapoel Beer Sheva’s hopes of reaching the group stages of the Champions League were effectively ended after a 5-0 hammering by Dinamo Zagreb.

The Israeli champions had little to offer as Dinamo raced to a 2-0 lead with goals by Izet Hajrovic and Mislav Orsic in the opening half-hour in Tuesday’s second qualifying round first leg in Croatia.

Arijan Ardemi added a second-half brace and a late strike by Armin Hodzic effectively sealed the tie.

It was a dreadful debut for Hapoel’s Greek stopper Anestis, who was at fault for all five goals but head coach Bakhar refused to blame his new signing. He said: “This was a weak team performance and we showed no character. It creates a small crisis but this team has overcome bigger ones.”

Barring a miraculous recovery at the Turner Stadium next week, Hapoel will play Apoel of Cyprus or Flora Tallinn in the Europa League third qualifying round.

Beitar Jerusalem have already been eliminated from the competition after losing 2-1 to Georgia’s Chikhura Sachkhere.

Meanwhile, Israeli striker Tomer Hemed scored his second goal of Brighton’s pre-season schedule in the 1-1 draw against Portsmouth.

Nir Bitton of Celtic will miss the start of the SPL Premier Division season following a knee operation.