Hapoel Beer Sheva 3-0 Motherwell: Stephen Robinson rues 'missed opportunity'

Beer Sheva v Motherwell — Motherwell were always in the game but were not able to take the chances they created

Stephen Robinson rued an "opportunity missed" after his Motherwell side were knocked out of the Europa League in Israel by Hapoel Beer Sheva.

Despite going 1-0 down at half-time to Leonardo Vitor's header, the away side had plenty of the game before Declan Gallagher's second-half sending off.

He earned a second yellow after giving away a penalty which Josue converted, with Elton Acolatse sealing the game.

"We had so much of the game," said manager Robinson of the 3-0 defeat.

"After 30 minutes, we felt we had a right chance. We were so disciplined and organised, and we had chances. We certainly matched them for long periods."

Reaction & as it happened

Four wins from five games had infused the Lanarkshire side with confidence, and they started this third qualifying round tie well.

Motherwell moved the ball swiftly in the early stages while keeping a tight structure, until a defensive lapse from Ricki Lamie allowed Jhonatan Agudelo to lash a volley high and wide.

The Scottish Premiership side's first attempt was saved spectacularly as Ohad Levita got down low to deny Christopher Long's close range turn-and-hit, before Trevor Carson made an impressive save of his own, diverting Acolatse's effort past his near post.

However, the Northern Ireland goalkeeper could do nothing about the opener. Just minutes before the break, Josue delivered a dangerous free-kick from deep and captain Vitor powered in a header.

The goal was a sucker punch for Robinson's men, but they came out fighting in the second period as they squandered a glorious chance to level as Gallagher put a free header over the bar.

Similar to the first half, the Fir Park club began to take control, but they were unable to capitalise on another promising spell as a dangerous delivery from Josue resulted in Gallagher dragging Vitor to the deck, Josue converting calmly from the spot.

The game was effectively gone at that point, but Beer Sheva were not done as Acolatse wrapped up the scoring after finishing well down to Carson's left following a neat one-two with Sintayehu Sallallich.

Man of the match - Josue

The former Porto man (right) was pinpointed as the dangerman pre-match, and he lived up to that billing as two inch perfect free-kicks resulted in both the opening goal and the penalty for the second, which the 30-year-old coolly converted. — The former Porto man (right) was pinpointed as the dangerman, and he lived up to that billing as two inch-perfect free-kicks resulted in both the opening goal and the penalty for the second, which the 30-year-old coolly converted.

What did we learn?

Motherwell were rightly regarded as underdogs, given they were facing a team who have featured in the Europa League group stages in two of the previous four seasons, but Robinson will view this as an opportunity missed. The Scots had spells throughout, but lacked a clinical edge.

What they said

'I didn't think they were better than us' - Motherwell boss Robinson

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson: "We done ever so well at times, but at that this level we concede from two set plays which is so disappointing.

"We were a little bit naive with things. I'm pleased with the young boys, but there are lots of lessons to be learned. There's a tinge of disappointment because it wasn't like we got played off the park."

What's next?

Motherwell return to league duties this Sunday as they welcome Rangers to Fir Park (12:00 BST).

Line-ups

Line-ups