Vikingur Reykjavik stunned Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round clash at the Vikingur Stadium on July 22, 2026. The Icelandic champions produced a spirited second-half performance to overturn an early deficit and put themselves in a strong position heading into the return leg in Israel.

Match Overview

Played under the midnight sun in Reykjavik, this was a competitive and tactically intriguing encounter. Hapoel Beer Sheva, the more experienced European campaigners, started brightly and took a deserved lead inside the first 20 minutes. However, Vikingur grew into the game, equalised before half-time, and then struck a decisive blow early in the second period to secure a vital home victory.

The win marks a significant statement of intent from the Icelandic champions, who are aiming to reach the group stages of a European competition for the first time in their history.

Key Moments

• 15th minute – Beer Sheva strike first: A sweeping counter-attack caught Vikingur’s defence out of shape. Winger Rotem Bar sliced through the home backline and squared for striker Anthony Milić, who slotted calmly past goalkeeper Ingvar Jónsson.
• 32nd minute – Vikingur equalise: A well-worked set piece brought the hosts level. Midfielder Aron Elísson curled a free-kick from the left flank into the box, where captain Kristinn Jónsson rose highest to power a header into the top corner.
• 48th minute – The winner: Just three minutes into the second half, Vikingur struck again. A quick throw-in caught the Beer Sheva defence napping, and forward Jón Daði Böðvarsson turned smartly on the edge of the box before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner.

Tactical Story

Vikingur manager Heimir Guðjónsson set his team up in a compact 4-4-2, looking to absorb pressure and hit on the break. In the first 25 minutes, the plan backfired as Hapoel’s midfield trio of Ilay Cohen, Dor Peretz, and Shlomo Levi dominated possession and found spaces between the lines.

After the equaliser, however, Vikingur grew in confidence. They pressed higher, forced mistakes in Beer Sheva’s build-up play, and targeted the visitors’ full-backs with direct runs. The second goal came from a moment of defensive hesitation – exactly the sort of error that often decides knockout ties at this level.

Hapoel struggled to regain control in the second half. Their attacking threat diminished as Vikingur’s centre-backs, Jónsson and Pétur Finnsson, dealt firmly with crosses and long balls. The Israeli side’s best chance to equalise came in the 74th minute when substitute Hen Dilher hit the post from 12 yards.

Star Performers

• Kristinn Jónsson (Vikingur): The captain’s leadership and headed equaliser set the tone for the comeback. Also made several crucial clearances late on.
• Jón Daði Böðvarsson (Vikingur): Scored the winner with a composed finish and caused constant problems with his movement off the ball.
• Ilay Cohen (Hapoel): Controlled the first half from central midfield, spraying passes wide and breaking up play. Faded as the game went on.

Looking Ahead

The second leg will be played at Turner Stadium in Beer Sheva on July 29. Vikingur are favourites to progress, but Hapoel have a crucial away goal and will believe they can overturn the deficit on home soil. For the Icelandic side, discipline and concentration over 90 minutes will be vital if they are to secure a place in the second qualifying round.

This was a famous night for Vikingur Reykjavik – a night that proved they can compete with – and beat – more established European opposition on the Champions League stage.