Europa League

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Europa League | Group Stage

Dec 8, 2016 at 8.05pm UK

Southampton
1-1
H. Be'er Sheva Hapoel Be'er Sheva

van Dijk (91')

FT(HT: 0-0)

Buzaglo (79')

Claude Puel: 'Hapoel Be'er Sheva match is like a final'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 07 December 2016

Southampton manager Claude Puel says that his side will approach their Europa League Group K match with Hapoel Be'er Sheva as though it is a final.

Southampton manager Claude Puel has urged his side to approach their Europa League Group K clash with Hapoel Be'er Sheva as though it is a final.

The Saints are currently level on points with the Israeli outfit going into the final group game and need either a victory or a goalless draw to send them through to the last 32.

Southampton have won both of their home matches in the group stages so far, though, and Puel is hoping to make it three in a row and add the knockout stages of the Europa League to their achievement of reaching the EFL Cup semi-finals.

"We have to give it our all. We are at home and we have showed we are strong with the support of the fans," he told reporters.

"The two teams have both got an opportunity in this game, because it is like a final.

"The semi-finals of the EFL Cup was one of our objectives. To reach the next round of the Europa League is another for us. I'm confident my players can handle the pressure."

The reverse fixture between the two sides ended goalless in Israel, meaning that a score draw would send Be'er Sheva through courtesy of the head-to-head rule.