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CSKA vs Panathinaikos: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

⚽ Europe Conference League · Europe · 11 August 2026
CSKA logoCSKA
1:2
1st half: 0:0
11.08.2026 18:30
Panathinaikos logoPanathinaikos

Match events

41′
🟨Georgios Marios Katris
60′
⚽0:1Levi Garcia
64′
🟨Elmin Rastoder
Moataz Zemzemi🟨
71′
Lasha Dvali1:1⚽
87′
94′
⚽1:2Cyriel Dessers
Frederic Maciel🟨
112′

Match statistics: CSKA vs Panathinaikos

CSKAPanathinaikos
0.86xG (expected goals)1.8
50Ball possession, %50
14Shots21
5Shots on target11
3Corners6
13Fouls13
1Offsides2
2Yellow cards2
0Red cards0
118Attacks155
58Dangerous attacks65

💡 Match preview CSKA vs Panathinaikos

By Babatunde Sowole — Football Expert on European & South American Cups

CSKA 1948 pulled off a minor shock in the first leg by holding Panathinaikos to a 1-1 draw in Athens, despite entering the tie as clear underdogs. Now the Bulgarian side returns home with the advantage of their own stadium and a surge of confidence. The question is whether the Greek visitors can find a way to break down a well-drilled defence that frustrated them so effectively last week.

Tactical Analysis: CSKA 1948

The first match was a near-textbook execution of game plan for Yuri Vasev’s men. They set up in a compact low block, denying Panathinaikos any space inside the box, and whenever possible they burst forward on the counter. Although the Greeks dominated possession, the shot count was remarkably close — 13 to 15 — and the expected goals (xG) actually favoured CSKA 1948, 1.21 to 0.96. After falling behind, the team showed no panic, equalised quickly, and then held on to a valuable result until the final whistle.

Crucially, Vasev’s side didn’t just defend; they forced the opposition to leave gaps and regularly threatened with dangerous counter-attacks. Coming into the return leg, the Bulgarians are also in strong form domestically. A few days ago they beat Lokomotiv Sofia 3-1, and after four rounds of the league they sit on 10 points among the leaders. Playing at home should allow them to be bolder in attack and use their fast breaks even more often. Their biggest asset, though, is the proven ability to withstand Panathinaikos’s pressure — a quality already on display in Athens.

Tactical Analysis: Panathinaikos

For Panathinaikos, the draw in the first leg was a serious setback, especially given how much control they exerted. They held 69% of the ball, made 99 entries into the final third compared to CSKA’s 34, yet that territorial dominance never translated into enough clear-cut chances. After Adriano Yagushich scored early (21st minute), the team failed to build on the lead and allowed CSKA to hit back on the break. That exposed the Greeks’ main weakness: their positional attack looked too predictable, and spending long periods near the opposition box didn’t create the necessary pressure on goal.

Now Jacob Neestrup’s side must drastically improve their finishing and move the ball faster when trying to unlock a packed defence. At the same time, they cannot overcommit going forward, because CSKA 1948 has already shown it can exploit open space. Expect Panathinaikos to dominate possession once again, but this time they will need to do it with far greater efficiency.

Predicted Lineups

CSKA 1948 (4-4-2): Marinov — Medina Roman, Hoffmann, Dvali, Gasevic — Frederik, Cuellar, Zemzemi, Rusev — Maier, Iliev Unavailable: Couto (injury) Head coach: Yuri Vasev

Panathinaikos (4-3-3): Peña — Tsapras, de Vrij, van Dronkelen, Kyriakopoulos — Chirivella, Yagushich, Kamara — Pellistri, Rastoder, Andino Unavailable: Ingason, Calabria (both injured) Head coach: Jacob Neestrup

Referee

The man in the middle is Belgian official Jasper Vergoote. This will be his ninth match in the Conference League. On average, he shows 3.63 yellow cards and whistles 25.63 fouls per game. Notably, in six of his eight previous outings in the competition, he did not brandish more than four yellow cards.

Prediction and Bet

Main prediction: CSKA 1948 not to lose at odds of 1.97 After the first leg, CSKA 1948 can no longer be considered a clear outsider in this tie. They have proven they can effectively neutralise Panathinaikos’s attacking threat, and now they have the added boost of playing at home. Vasev’s team is in good shape — 10 points from four league matches and a recent win over solid Lokomotiv Sofia. Meanwhile, the Greeks have yet to find a way through a well-organised defence, despite their overwhelming territorial advantage in Athens. Backing CSKA 1948 to avoid defeat looks solid value.

Goals prediction: Both teams to score at 1.76 Based on the first leg’s statistics, both sides deserved their goals. CSKA 1948 had 13 shots and an xG of 1.21, while Panathinaikos, with all their possession, still managed to score first. With home support, the Bulgarians should be more adventurous going forward. Panathinaikos, for their part, must push forward and take more risks than they did in the first match — which could open up space for the hosts. Given the nature of the first encounter and the Greeks’ need to win, expect goals at both ends.

Babatunde Sowole
Babatunde Sowole
Football Expert on European & South American Cups

Babatunde Sowole has been closely monitoring international club competitions for over a decade, with a particular focus on the Conference League, Europa League, and Copa Sudamericana. In his analysis, he prioritizes squad depth, tactical adjustments, and fixture congestion, believing these factors often outweigh raw statistics. His approach to predictions is grounded in studying team form and head-to-head trends, avoiding overreliance on single-match data.

All articles by this author →

The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.

Starting lineups: CSKA vs Panathinaikos

CSKA logoCSKA4-4-2
Marinov
GasevichDvaliHoffmannMedina Roman
RusevZemzemiCuéllarFrederik
IlievMayer
Out of squad:Kouto · Injury
Panathinaikos logoPanathinaikos4-3-3
Peña
KiriakopoulosVan Drongelende VrijTsapras
KamaraChirivellaZaroury
AndinoRastoderGarcia
Out of squad:Ingason · InjuryCalabria · Injury

Match odds CSKA vs Panathinaikos

Result (1X2)

X3.5214.4521.79

Double chance

1X1.97X21.19121.28

Both teams to score

No1.93Yes1.76

Over

11.0321.432.4244.850.51.011.51.242.51.873.52.994.55.5

Under

17.522.6331.4741.120.58.51.53.362.51.883.51.34.51.09

Handicap 1

03.0611.5321.1-18.21.51.312.51.07-1.58.8

Handicap 2

01.2911.02-12.38-25.051.51.01-1.52.95-2.55.75

Correct score

0:08.50:16.850:28.40:314.250:4311:012.251:16.31:281:314.251:4312:0252:1142:214.52:3263:1413:243

To qualify

12.821.38

Predictions for CSKA vs Panathinaikos

P prosage Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.11 Lost

The corner total over 9.5 is a strong play here. The first leg ended 1-1, so neither side will sit back in Sofia—both need a result. Panathinaikos are a genuine threat on the flanks, averaging nearly 5.8 corners per game, and they’ve gone over 9.5 combined corners in 8 of their last 10 matches. The first meeting already produced 10 corners with ease.

CSKA will also push forward at home, and their matches typically see around 12 corners on average. With attacking intent from both teams and the tournament stakes, backing over 9.5 corners at 2.11 looks fully justified.

GA Gabriel Adekunle Under 0.5 (1st half)odds 2.69 Won

The Conference League return leg between CSKA and Panathinaikos looks like a tight, cagey affair. Despite the visitors being the higher-status side and having shorter odds, I expect a balanced contest. Panathinaikos haven’t started their domestic season yet, so their only competitive minutes have come in these qualifiers — and they’ve looked far from convincing. Against Hungarian side Paksi in the previous round, they conceded in both legs and scraped through by the narrowest of margins.

CSKA, meanwhile, are in strong form both in their league and in Europe. They also began in the second qualifying round, where they faced Spartak Trnava — and over two matches, neither side managed a single goal. The Bulgarians advanced only on penalties. With CSKA at home and likely to sit back in the first half, I don’t see an early breakthrough. Backing under 0.5 goals in the first half at 2.69 makes sense here.

GB Godwin Balogun Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.11 Lost

The Conference League semi-final qualifier between CSKA and Panathinaikos is set up for a high number of corners. CSKA are already in competitive rhythm, having played four league matches, and they consistently generate plenty of corner kicks. Their first leg against Panathinaikos ended 1–1 with a combined 15 corners, and with both sides needing to push forward, that pattern should repeat. Panathinaikos are still in preseason but their previous round against Paksi also produced plenty of corners. Over 9.5 corners at 2.11 is the clear play.

GY Gabriel Yusuf To qualify: 1odds 2.93 Lost

CSKA showed real grit, while Panathinaikos couldn't live up to their billing. I'm confident that pattern repeats — that's exactly why I'm backing the Russian side to qualify at 2.93.

SI Segun Igwe Over 3odds 2.53 Lost
BS Biodun Shehu Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.22 Lost

CSKA and Panathinaikos in the Conference League — sounds like a track meet in the making. The visitors from Athens are going to do plenty of chasing, and that usually means a steady stream of corner kicks. Over 9.5 corners at 2.22 is the obvious call here.

WO Wale Ojo Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.22 Lost

The Conference League match between CSKA and Panathinaikos on August 11th is set to be an open, end-to-end affair. Both sides will push forward to create scoring opportunities, which should translate into a steady flow of corner kicks.

I’m backing the total corners to go over 9.5 at 2.22. The aggressive approach from both teams makes this a solid bet.

CO Chinedu Oyelaran Result: 2odds 1.75 Lost
KK Kunle Kalu Corners: Result: 1odds 2.75 Lost

If CSKA go behind, they'll take more corners than Panathinaikos. That's my confident pick at 2.75.

BF Biodun Fashola Yellow cards: Under 3.5odds 2.50 Won

Under 3.5 yellow cards at 2.50 is my play for this Conference League meeting between CSKA and Panathinaikos. That price offers real value, and I'm backing it confidently.

YT Yusuf Tanko Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.79 Won

Both teams scored in the first leg, and I’m backing the same script to play out again. CSKA and Panathinaikos both have the firepower to get on the scoresheet, so I’m taking the “Yes” on both teams to score at 1.79.

SI Stanley Igwe Result: 2odds 1.77 Lost

Panathinaikos are heading to Moscow to take on CSKA, and I’m backing the Greek side to come away with the win at odds of 1.77. This should be a lively contest in the Conference League, and I see the visitors having the quality to get the job done.

CO Chinedu Olawale Result: 2odds 1.78 Lost

CSKA Moscow looked vulnerable in the first leg, and Panathinaikos should have taken more from that home match. The Greek side has the quality to finish the job on the road, and at 1.78, backing them to win outright is the clear play.

OS Oluwaseun Salami Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.22 Lost

Over 9.5 corners in today's Conference League match between CSKA and Panathinaikos — that's the play I'm locking in. I fully expect the total to clear that mark without any trouble.

KL Kabiru Lawal Result: Xodds 3.52 Won

CSKA and Panathinaikos are evenly matched, so I see this going to a penalty shootout. The draw at 3.52 is the smart play here—neither side has a clear edge to win in regulation.

FA Femi Afolabi Result: Xodds 3.52 Won

A draw at 3.52 looks like real value in this matchup. CSKA already put up a strong fight against Panathinaikos in Greece, and I wouldn't be surprised if they grab a point here as well. The hosts have proven they can hang with this opponent, making the draw a solid bet.

YE Yusuf Emenike Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.72 Lost

The first half of this Conference League match between CSKA and Panathinaikos should see at least two goals. I'm backing the over 1.5 mark for the opening 45 minutes at a solid price of 2.72.

WA Wale Adekunle Double chance: 1Xodds 1.98 Won

CSKA already avoided defeat on the road in the first leg, and this Bulgarian side is generally a tough nut to crack. They have the quality to grind out a result at home as well, so backing them not to lose looks like a solid play. I’m taking the double chance on the hosts here.

SA Samuel Ademola To qualify: 1odds 2.80 Lost

This match in the Conference League is all about who wants it more, and I’m backing the home side, CSKA, to get the job done. Their motivation and drive at this stage are key factors that point to them advancing.

The odds at 2.80 offer solid value for a team that should impose their will at home. I see them grinding out the result needed to qualify.

G goldwolf_88 Double chance: 1Xodds 1.95 Won

CSKA's solid away showing against Panathinaikos proves they can handle this opponent. At home, I'm confident they'll avoid defeat, so backing the double chance on the hosts at 1.95 is the clear move.

AO Ayodele Ogunleye Correct score 1:2odds 8.10 Lost
IA Ifeanyi Abiodun Over 1.5odds 1.24 Won

CSKA and Panathinaikos are meeting in the Conference League, and I'm expecting at least a couple of goals between them. The odds of 1.24 for over 1.5 goals look solid here. It wouldn't surprise me if both teams find the net as well.

AL Abubakar Lawal Result: Xodds 3.52 Won
KA Kayode Adebayo Double chance: 1Xodds 1.96 Won

CSKA have a real shot at taking this one today. The odds at 1.96 for double chance 1X look more than fair — I’m backing the hosts to avoid defeat against Panathinaikos in the Conference League. No reason to overthink it; the home side should get the job done.

AA Aliyu Akintola Corners: Team 1 over 4odds 2.17 Lost

CSKA’s corner count in this Conference League clash is the angle I’m backing, and I’m taking the hosts to clear the 4-corner line. The price at 2.17 looks fair enough for a side that should be pushing forward on home turf, and I don’t see Panathinaikos sitting back enough to keep them under that threshold. It’s not a lock by any means, but the value sits with the hosts getting forward and forcing set-piece situations. I’ll take Team 1 over 4 corners here, with the expectation that the attacking intent translates into enough chances from the flanks.

KD Kingsley Danjuma Over 2.5odds 1.87 Lost

CSKA and Panathinaikos are set for an open, high-scoring affair in the Conference League. A 2-1 result is a realistic outcome, which easily clears the over 2.5 goals line.

DY Daniel Yusuf Over 2.5odds 1.87 Lost

CSKA and Panathinaikos meet in the Conference League, and I’m backing the over 2.5 goals. The line at 1.87 looks solid—I expect at least three goals in this one.

U ucheace_300 Over 3.5odds 2.94 Lost

CSKA and Panathinaikos are set to deliver an open game, and I expect the total to clear 3.5 goals. The odds at 2.94 make this a solid pick.

OI Olusegun Igwe Result: 2odds 1.84 Lost

Panathinaikos are the visitors in this tie, and they’re simply the better side. I’m backing them to get the job done and take the win.

KO Kingsley Oyelaran Result: 2odds 1.84 Lost
KO Kingsley Olaniyan Handicap 2 (-1)odds 2.50 Lost

Panathinaikos should handle this with ease. CSKA is simply not on their level, and I’m expecting a dominant performance that ends in a multi-goal victory. The handicap line of -1 at 2.50 offers solid value here.

There’s no reason to overthink this one. The Greek side is clearly the stronger team, and against this opposition, a comfortable win with a two-goal margin is well within reach.

AM Abubakar Madu To qualify: 1odds 2.69 Lost

CSKA is priced at 2.69 to advance here, and I still can’t wrap my head around why Panathinaikos is treated as such a clear favorite. This line has looked off since before the first leg, and now, with the Greeks heading into enemy territory, it feels even more out of whack. That’s where I’m putting my money.

KO Kayode Oni Under 2.5odds 1.88 Won

I’m backing Under 2.5 goals in this Conference League clash between CSKA and Panathinaikos. This game won’t see many goals — the flow and matchup both point to a low-scoring affair.

With odds at 1.88, I’m betting on a tight, defensive contest where both sides struggle to break through. Trusting the under here is the smart play.

PI Peter Idris Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.24 Lost

CSKA and Panathinaikos both rack up corners at a high rate, so the over 9.5 line looks well within reach. I'm backing that bet at 2.24.

CS Chukwuma Shehu Team 2 over 1.5odds 1.88 Lost

Panathinaikos dominated the first leg and had plenty of chances to score more than they did. Based on that performance, they're fully capable of putting away at least two goals here.

MA Michael Abdullahi Result: Xodds 3.46 Won

CSKA host Panathinaikos in the Conference League, and I'm backing the draw. At 3.46, the odds offer solid value for that outcome.

WA Wale Afolabi Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.24 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos will combine for at least ten corners in this Conference League match — that’s an easy target. I’m taking over 9.5 at 2.24, and the reasoning is simple: both sides are more than capable of getting there.

FS Femi Sowole Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.76 Pending

Both teams to score feels like the right call here. CSKA and Panathinaikos are both capable of finding the net, and I expect an open game in the Conference League. I'm backing this one confidently.

US Uche Sowole Corners: Over 8.5odds 1.75 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos played out a 1-1 draw in the first leg, and the match was full of action with 15 corners between them. That’s why I’m confidently backing over 8.5 corners in the return fixture.

CL Chinedu Lawal Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.75 Pending

The last time CSKA and Panathinaikos met, both teams found the net. I expect the same pattern to hold in this Conference League clash — each side has the attacking quality to score again.

ID Ibrahim Danjuma Result: 2odds 1.86 Pending

CSKA host Panathinaikos in the Conference League, and I'm backing the Greek side to take all three points. With the proper focus and determination, this Panathinaikos side has more than enough quality to get the job done on the road.

The visitors' attitude and desire will be the deciding factors here — if they show up with the right mindset, the win is well within reach. That's why I'm taking Panathinaikos to win at 1.86.

BO Biodun Obi Result: 2odds 1.86 Pending

Panathinaikos clearly have the stronger squad here, and that quality should shine through even away from home. There's no reason to overthink this one — I'm backing the visitors to get the win, and the price looks more than fair.

AW Aliyu Waziri Corners: Result: 1odds 2.75 Pending

CSKA will rightfully take the corner battle against Panathinaikos. I’m backing the hosts to dominate from set pieces and cash in at 2.75 in the Conference League.

DO David Okoro Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.75 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos will both score in this Conference League match. I'm backing the "Yes" on Both Teams to Score.

JO Joseph Obiora Corners: Over 8.5odds 1.75 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos meet in the Conference League, and I’m backing the total corners to go over 8.5 at 1.75. Both sides have strong offensive instincts, and the stakes of this match should push them to attack from the first whistle. I don’t see this one being a cagey, low-event affair. The combination of tempo and desperation for a result makes a high corner count the most likely outcome here.

BS Biodun Suleiman Result: 2odds 1.86 Lost

This isn’t a tricky one. I’m backing Panathinaikos to get the win against CSKA on the road in the second leg, and the odds here look very solid. The Greek side is clearly the stronger team in this matchup and should have no problem controlling the game and finding the net.

My prediction is a clean 2-0 victory for the visitors. They’ll keep CSKA off the scoresheet, making this a straightforward bet on the away team to win.

SI Sunday Ibe Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.24 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos meet in the Conference League, and I’m not hesitating to back the over on corners here. The total of 9.5 looks very reachable for this matchup, and at 2.24 the price is worth taking.

Both sides push forward, and that usually means plenty of set-piece chances. I’m confident the corner count will climb past the line, so this is a clear play for me.

GI Godwin Idris Team 2 over 2odds 2.85 Pending

I see Panathinaikos playing with real attacking intent away from home. They have the quality to break through CSKA 1948's defense and find the net at least twice.

The odds of 2.85 for this bet reflect solid value given the gap in class between these sides. I expect the Greek side to impose themselves offensively and get the job done.

SF Stanley Fashola Result: Xodds 3.46 Pending
CS Chukwuma Suleiman Result: Xodds 3.46 Pending
YO Yusuf Ogunleye Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.75 Pending

I’m backing both teams to find the net here — and at 1.75, the value is clear. CSKA and Panathinaikos both have the attacking quality to break through, and neither side looks likely to keep a clean sheet in this Conference League clash. Expect an open game with chances at both ends.

The timing of the match — mid-August, early in the season — often leads to defensive lapses and high-energy attacking play. Both teams will be pushing for a result, which should create plenty of scoring opportunities. This bet hits more often than not in these conditions.

SA Sunday Anyanwu Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.24 Pending

The first leg between these two already produced a hefty 15 corner kicks. I’m backing the total to go over 9.5 again at 2.24, as both sides are clearly willing to push forward and create set-piece opportunities.

SO Segun Okoro Handicap 2 (-1)odds 2.52 Pending

Panathinaikos -1 is the right call here. I expect them to dominate CSKA from start to finish and win by at least two goals. The visitors clearly have the quality to cover this line.

OB Obinna Bello Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.75 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos in the Conference League — this one’s shaping up to be a grind. A draw in regular time feels like the most likely outcome, and that usually means both sides find the net. I’m backing Both Teams to Score here.

ST Sani Tanko Corners: Over 9.5odds 2.24 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos both have a clear fondness for corner kicks. I expect this match to see plenty of them, just like the first leg did.

AO Ayodele Onyeka Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.75 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos will both get on the scoresheet in this Conference League tie. I'm backing the "Yes" on both teams to score at 1.75.

KA Kingsley Adebayo Corners: Over 8.5odds 1.75 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos have a solid track record of producing matches with nine or more corner kicks. I'm backing the over 8.5 corners line at 1.75, as their recent head-to-heads consistently hit that mark. This looks like a reliable bet based on their established pattern.

YO Yusuf Oni Over 3.5odds 2.99 Lost

CSKA and Panathinaikos managed only two goals between them last time out, but this return leg has the makings of a much more open affair. I see a strong case for at least four goals to hit the net here.

The 2.99 price on over 3.5 goals is simply too generous to pass up. Both sides have the quality to find the back of the net, and the stakes should push them to attack from the start.

AO Adewale Oladipo Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.75 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos meet in the Conference League, and the most likely outcome here is that both sides find the net. With the attacking quality on display, a goalless half or a clean sheet for either team feels unlikely.

The bet on both teams to score at 1.75 offers solid value — I expect an open game where each defense gives way at least once.

KA Kayode Adeyemi Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.72 Pending

CSKA and Panathinaikos face off in the Conference League, and I'm expecting the first half to deliver at least two goals. Both teams have the ability to find the net early — there's no point in trying to keep this one tight. Over 1.5 in the first half at 2.72 is the play.

W wildbets Result: 2odds 1.84 Pending

CSKA got a taste of victory in the first leg, but that’s exactly why Panathinaikos will come out furious. The visitors are wounded and desperate to prove themselves, so I’m backing them to deliver a polished performance and snatch the win. The odds at 1.84 are too good to pass up for a side with their backs against the wall.

DB Dele Bankole Under 2.5odds 1.88 Pending

CSKA's approach against Panathinaikos will be to grab a goal and then lock things down, which usually produces a tight, low-scoring affair. That's why I'm backing under 2.5 goals at 1.88 — this Conference League tie should stay controlled and short on clear chances at both ends.

Match poster

CSKA vs Panathinaikos — odds

❓ Frequently asked questions

When and where is the CSKA 1948 vs Panathinaikos match?

The match takes place on August 11, 2026, at 18:30 local time, at CSKA 1948's home stadium.

What is the key prediction for this match?

The main prediction is CSKA 1948 not to lose, with odds of 1.97, based on their solid defensive display in the first leg and home advantage.

Are there any important player absences for either side?

CSKA 1948 are without Couto due to injury. Panathinaikos are missing Ingason and Calabria, both sidelined with injuries.

What happened in the first leg between these teams?

The first leg ended 1-1 in Athens. CSKA 1948 equalised quickly after falling behind and held on for a draw, despite Panathinaikos dominating possession (69%).

How is CSKA 1948's recent domestic form?

CSKA 1948 are in strong form, with 10 points from four league matches and a recent 3-1 win over Lokomotiv Sofia.

Who is the referee for this Conference League tie?

The referee is Belgian official Jasper Vergoote, who averages 3.63 yellow cards per game in the competition.