Atalanta were left frustrated as Hapoel Tel Aviv produced a disciplined defensive display to hold the Serie A side to a goalless draw in their UEFA Europa Conference League encounter. The result means the tie is wide open ahead of the second leg in Israel, with Atalanta needing to be more clinical in front of goal.

Atalanta dominate but fail to break through

Playing at the Gewiss Stadium, Atalanta pushed forward from the first whistle and dominated territory and possession. The Italian side, renowned for their attacking intensity, created a steady stream of half-chances but consistently found their final pass lacking. Hapoel Tel Aviv sat deep in a compact 4-5-1 block, inviting pressure and challenging Atalanta to find a way through. Despite the home side's superior technical quality, the Israeli visitors held firm with a disciplined, organised performance.

Key moments

• 17th minute: Atalanta's first real chance fell to a forward inside the box, but his shot was straight at the Hapoel goalkeeper.
• 41st minute: A long-range strike rattled the crossbar, the closest either side came in the opening half.
• 66th minute: Atalanta's late surge saw two quick corners produce a goalmouth scramble, but Hapoel's defence cleared their lines.
• 88th minute: Hapoel nearly stole it — a rare counter-attack ended with a shot sliding inches past the post.

Tactical story

Atalanta's manager switched between a back three and back four throughout the match, searching for additional width and penetration. The most significant change came with fresh attacking legs introduced after the hour mark, but Hapoel's midfield dropped deeper to close the spaces between the lines. Time and again, Atalanta's crosses were repelled by a crowded penalty area, and their frustration grew as the game entered its final stages.

Standout players

Hapoel Tel Aviv's goalkeeper was the man of the match, making a string of saves that kept his team in the tie. His command of the penalty area and quick reactions denied Atalanta on several occasions. At the other end, the visiting defence, led by a towering centre-back, produced a brave and tireless performance. For Atalanta, the work rate and movement in the final third were never in question, but their decision-making in the decisive moment repeatedly let them down.

What it means

Atalanta remain strong favourites to progress, but their failure to secure a home advantage puts added pressure on the second leg. Hapoel Tel Aviv, however, will be delighted with a clean sheet and now have everything to play for in front of their own supporters. The tie is finely balanced, and a single away goal in Tel Aviv would give the visitors a crucial edge in the quest for Conference League group-stage football.