CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview
CSKA Sofia
Maccabi Tel AvivMatch events
Match statistics: CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
💡 Match preview CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
By Babatunde Sowole — Football Expert on European & South American Cups
After a devastating 3-0 defeat in Batumi, Maccabi Tel Aviv face a near-impossible mission in the return leg of the Europa League third qualifying round. Can a full week of rest help the Israeli side pull off a miracle in Sofia, or will a red-hot CSKA Sofia comfortably seal their passage to the next stage in front of their own supporters?
Tactical Analysis: CSKA Sofia
Hristo Yanev’s side delivered a masterclass in pragmatic, counter-attacking football in the first leg. Despite conceding possession to Maccabi (44% to 56%), CSKA set up a compact mid-block that the visitors simply could not break down through positional play. Instead, the Bulgarians struck ruthlessly in transition: Max Ebong’s early goal in the 9th minute shattered the Israeli game plan, while precise finishes from Leandro Godoy and Joel Zwarts exposed gaping defensive holes whenever Maccabi lost the ball.
CSKA did not postpone their domestic fixture over the weekend, comfortably dispatching city rivals Septemvri 3-0. Yanez rotated intelligently, leaving key attackers Godoy and Ebong, as well as veteran Stefano Sensi, on the bench until the second half. This allowed the team to collect three points without excessive energy expenditure while keeping the squad match-fit and in a winning rhythm. Earlier in qualifying, the Sofia side edged past Derry City (3-2 home, 2-1 away) and then eliminated a tough Qarabag on penalties (0-0, 0-0, 5-4 in the shootout). Now, at home, a disciplined, controlled performance is all that is required to advance.
Tactical Analysis: Maccabi Tel Aviv
Kenny Miller’s men dominated the ball in the first leg (56% possession) but produced nothing of substance. Their positional attack lacked creativity in the final third, managing only three shots on target—the most dangerous being Dor Peretz’s effort in the 54th minute, which the Bulgarian goalkeeper handled comfortably. Defensively, the Israeli side was a disaster: repeated failures in transition and a complete inability to handle counter-attacks led to two first-half goals, and a third in the 90th minute left them in a desperate hole.
With the Israeli league not starting until August 22, Miller had a full week to work on errors, but match sharpness remains a concern. This is a team with huge potential—they obliterated Sheriff Tiraspol 5-0 away in the previous qualifying round and followed up with a pragmatic 1-0 win at a neutral venue. They also won the Israeli Super Cup with a confident 3-1 victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva. However, a three-goal deficit forces Maccabi to attack from the first whistle in Sofia, leaving them dangerously exposed against an in-form CSKA side that thrives on the break.
Predicted Lineups
CSKA Sofia (4-2-3-1): Lapoukhov – Pastor, Rodrigues, Ivanov, Martino – Gbamen, Jordaou – Ebong, Sensi, Pittas – Godoy Unavailable: – Head coach: Hristo Yanev
Maccabi Tel Aviv (4-3-1-2): Melika – Ben-Hamo, Camara, Shlomo, Rosen – Shahar, Noy, Sissoko – Peretz – Varela, Abu Farhi Unavailable: Gropper, Belić, Layous, Nicolascu (all injured) Head coach: Kenny Miller
Referee
Daniel Schlager (Germany) A strict official who averaged 4.34 yellow cards per match last season. In European competitions, he is even more decisive, brandishing a yellow 4.85 times per game.
Prediction and Bet
Main prediction: CSKA Sofia to win @ 2.35 Having built a comfortable three-goal cushion, the Bulgarian side are unlikely to sit back at home. The difference in match sharpness is clear: Yanev’s team are in a superb competitive rhythm, having won three consecutive official matches and extended their unbeaten run to nine games—most recently a convincing league victory over Septemvri. Maccabi, lacking domestic game time, look sluggish. With nothing to lose, the visitors will have to throw caution to the wind from the start, leaving massive spaces behind. CSKA’s fast, well-drilled attack, led by the in-form Godoy (three goal contributions in his last two outings), will relish that scenario. Expect the Bulgarians to punish their opponents on the counter once more and secure another win.
Total goals prediction: Over 2.5 @ 2.08 The return leg has all the ingredients for an open, high-scoring affair. Maccabi must chase a three-goal deficit, guaranteeing intensity in the final third and plenty of chances. The Tel Aviv side have shown their attacking quality against Sheriff and Hapoel Be’er Sheva, scoring nine goals in three matches. However, their defensive issues are unlikely to have been fixed in a week. CSKA’s attack, which has netted eight times in their last three outings, will certainly have its say as well. Expect an end-to-end battle with goals at both ends.
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 Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
CSKA Sofia4-2-3-1Maccabi Tel Aviv4-3-3Match odds CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Result (1X2)
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Predictions for CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Maccabi Tel Aviv are in a must-score situation, which means they'll have to push forward aggressively, take more risks, and inevitably commit more fouls. In the first leg, already trailing 0–3, they picked up three yellow cards. Today, needing at least three goals to have any chance, I expect even more infringements — and that makes over 2.5 cards for the visitors a strong play at 2.21.
CSKA Sofia made a strong statement in the first leg, showing serious intent. I expect them to carry that momentum into this home fixture, where they’ll look to seal the tie. The price at 2.35 for a home win is more than fair given their performance level and the venue advantage.
The first leg ended with a shock 3-0 win for CSKA Sofia, which on paper looks like a done deal. But I'm not buying that this tie is already over. Maccabi Tel Aviv are the top side in Israeli football, and they have every chance to overturn that deficit.
There's no doubt in my mind that the visitors will go all-out attack from the very first minute. That aggressive approach should lead to a goal-fest. I see Maccabi scoring at least three or four times on the road, while CSKA should find the net at least twice themselves. It's surprising to see bookmakers pricing this match so low on goals. I'm backing Over 4, with a minimum of a push looking very likely.
CSKA Sofia to win the corner count in their Europa League meeting with Maccabi Tel Aviv is the play here. The odds of 1.94 look good, and I'm confident the hosts will come out on top in that market.
The corner battle in this Europa League meeting between CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv is a clear opportunity. I'm backing Maccabi Tel Aviv to come out on top in the corner count at 2.15.
CSKA Sofia’s 3-0 home loss in the first leg was an absolute disaster — getting blown out on your own turf is a huge red flag. I’m backing Maccabi Tel Aviv to win again here at 2.99, because that first result showed a massive gap between these sides, not just a bad night.
CSKA Sofia against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League — I’m backing the home side to take this one. The Bulgarian side has the edge playing at home, and I see them grinding out a 2-1 win. The odds at 2.36 for a straight home victory offer solid value for a team I expect to control the tempo and create enough chances to edge ahead.
CSKA Sofia are at home in this Europa League clash, and I’m backing them to find the net at least twice. Their attacking form has been solid, and with the crowd behind them, they should have enough firepower to get the job done. The odds at 2.26 look like good value for a side that’s capable of putting up goals on their own turf.
CSKA Sofia at 2.36 to win against Maccabi Tel Aviv — that’s the play. I see the hosts taking this 1-0 and advancing without drama.
Maccabi Tel Aviv have to chase the tie, so they’ll be the side pushing forward from the start. That attacking mindset naturally leads to more corner kicks, and I’m backing them to win the corner count against CSKA Sofia.
CSKA Sofia proved they were the superior side in the first leg, and Maccabi Tel Aviv couldn't create anything meaningful at home. I'm backing the Bulgarian team to finish the job in this Europa League clash. With the home crowd behind them and a clear advantage from the opening match, another victory for CSKA is the smart play here at 2.35.
We’re looking at a match between CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League, and I’m expecting plenty of corner kicks. The line is set at over 10.5 corners, and with the way these two sides play, that total should be cleared without much trouble.
Both teams are aggressive going forward and tend to force their opponents into defensive clearances, which naturally leads to a high volume of corners. I’m backing the over here at 2.56 — good luck and enjoy the game.
The gap in quality between CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv is just too large. Add to that the home advantage, and I see no reason to look elsewhere — a home win is the clear call.
CSKA Sofia are going to give their fans a night to remember. I'm backing them to get the job done and deliver a home win in the Europa League.
Maccabi Tel Aviv should find the net at least once against CSKA Sofia tonight. The visitors have too much quality in attack to be kept off the scoresheet, and their recent form suggests they'll create enough chances to convert one. At odds of 1.82, backing them to score over 1 goal feels like a solid value play.
Maccabi Tel Aviv will struggle to break down CSKA Sofia’s defense tonight. I’m backing the visitors to finish with under 0.5 goals at a solid 2.95.
CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv are set to face off in the Europa League, and I expect the first half to be anything but dull. With the over 1.5 goals line set at a generous 2.86, I’m backing both sides to find the net early, likely within the opening ten minutes.
The reasoning is straightforward: neither defense looks solid enough to keep a clean sheet, and the attacking intent from both teams should lead to a quick exchange of goals. This bet hinges on an open, fast-paced start, and I’m confident it will hit.
CSKA Sofia against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the third qualifying round of the Europa League looks like a situation where the Bulgarian side merits a closer look. I am backing them with a zero handicap, which returns the stake if the match ends level. My view is simple: at odds of 1.68, this is a fair reflection of the balance on a single leg, without relying on any comeback from the away fixture. There is nothing fancy here—just the belief that Sofia can avoid defeat on their own pitch.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s attacking approach in this Europa League clash should put them in a position to rack up corners. I expect them to press forward often and create enough set-piece situations to clear the 4.5 mark comfortably.
CSKA Sofia are at home, and that gives them a clear edge. Maccabi Tel Aviv have no choice but to push forward aggressively, which will leave them vulnerable at the back. I expect the hosts to exploit those gaps and take the win.
CSKA Sofia’s recent matches have been wide open, with four of the last five producing more than 2.5 goals. That pattern points to another lively evening against Maccabi Tel Aviv, so I’m taking Over 2.5 at 2.03.
CSKA Sofia take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League, and I’m backing the home side to come out on top again. The Bulgarian team have shown they can get the job done in front of their own fans, and at odds of 2.38, this feels like solid value. Maccabi will be under pressure away from home, and I don’t see them handling CSKA’s intensity here.
My bet is on a home win, plain and simple. CSKA have the momentum and the crowd behind them, so I’m confident they’ll make it count.
CSKA Sofia’s home form and rating suggest they’re no worse than Maccabi Tel Aviv, so I’m backing the hosts to score at least twice. The odds at 2.38 make this a solid value play — I expect the total to clear.
CSKA Sofia are taking on Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League, and I see no reason to go against the home side here. The odds at 2.38 for a CSKA win look very generous, as this is a fixture where the home advantage should be decisive.
CSKA Sofia will handle business at home against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The price of 2.36 on a straight home win in the Europa League is generous for a side that should dominate this fixture. I'm locking in the victory for the hosts.
CSKA Sofia will have their fans celebrating in this Europa League encounter. I'm expecting at least three goals to hit the board, so over 2.5 is the play here.
Result: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
CSKA Sofia made a strong statement in the first leg, showing serious intent. I expect them to carry that momentum into this home fixture, where they’ll look to seal the tie. The price at 2.35 for a home win is more than fair given their performance level and the venue advantage.
CSKA Sofia’s 3-0 home loss in the first leg was an absolute disaster — getting blown out on your own turf is a huge red flag. I’m backing Maccabi Tel Aviv to win again here at 2.99, because that first result showed a massive gap between these sides, not just a bad night.
CSKA Sofia against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League — I’m backing the home side to take this one. The Bulgarian side has the edge playing at home, and I see them grinding out a 2-1 win. The odds at 2.36 for a straight home victory offer solid value for a team I expect to control the tempo and create enough chances to edge ahead.
CSKA Sofia at 2.36 to win against Maccabi Tel Aviv — that’s the play. I see the hosts taking this 1-0 and advancing without drama.
CSKA Sofia proved they were the superior side in the first leg, and Maccabi Tel Aviv couldn't create anything meaningful at home. I'm backing the Bulgarian team to finish the job in this Europa League clash. With the home crowd behind them and a clear advantage from the opening match, another victory for CSKA is the smart play here at 2.35.
The gap in quality between CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv is just too large. Add to that the home advantage, and I see no reason to look elsewhere — a home win is the clear call.
CSKA Sofia are going to give their fans a night to remember. I'm backing them to get the job done and deliver a home win in the Europa League.
CSKA Sofia are at home, and that gives them a clear edge. Maccabi Tel Aviv have no choice but to push forward aggressively, which will leave them vulnerable at the back. I expect the hosts to exploit those gaps and take the win.
CSKA Sofia take on Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League, and I’m backing the home side to come out on top again. The Bulgarian team have shown they can get the job done in front of their own fans, and at odds of 2.38, this feels like solid value. Maccabi will be under pressure away from home, and I don’t see them handling CSKA’s intensity here.
My bet is on a home win, plain and simple. CSKA have the momentum and the crowd behind them, so I’m confident they’ll make it count.
CSKA Sofia are taking on Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League, and I see no reason to go against the home side here. The odds at 2.38 for a CSKA win look very generous, as this is a fixture where the home advantage should be decisive.
CSKA Sofia will handle business at home against Maccabi Tel Aviv. The price of 2.36 on a straight home win in the Europa League is generous for a side that should dominate this fixture. I'm locking in the victory for the hosts.
Over: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
The first leg ended with a shock 3-0 win for CSKA Sofia, which on paper looks like a done deal. But I'm not buying that this tie is already over. Maccabi Tel Aviv are the top side in Israeli football, and they have every chance to overturn that deficit.
There's no doubt in my mind that the visitors will go all-out attack from the very first minute. That aggressive approach should lead to a goal-fest. I see Maccabi scoring at least three or four times on the road, while CSKA should find the net at least twice themselves. It's surprising to see bookmakers pricing this match so low on goals. I'm backing Over 4, with a minimum of a push looking very likely.
CSKA Sofia are at home in this Europa League clash, and I’m backing them to find the net at least twice. Their attacking form has been solid, and with the crowd behind them, they should have enough firepower to get the job done. The odds at 2.26 look like good value for a side that’s capable of putting up goals on their own turf.
We’re looking at a match between CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League, and I’m expecting plenty of corner kicks. The line is set at over 10.5 corners, and with the way these two sides play, that total should be cleared without much trouble.
Both teams are aggressive going forward and tend to force their opponents into defensive clearances, which naturally leads to a high volume of corners. I’m backing the over here at 2.56 — good luck and enjoy the game.
Maccabi Tel Aviv should find the net at least once against CSKA Sofia tonight. The visitors have too much quality in attack to be kept off the scoresheet, and their recent form suggests they'll create enough chances to convert one. At odds of 1.82, backing them to score over 1 goal feels like a solid value play.
CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv are set to face off in the Europa League, and I expect the first half to be anything but dull. With the over 1.5 goals line set at a generous 2.86, I’m backing both sides to find the net early, likely within the opening ten minutes.
The reasoning is straightforward: neither defense looks solid enough to keep a clean sheet, and the attacking intent from both teams should lead to a quick exchange of goals. This bet hinges on an open, fast-paced start, and I’m confident it will hit.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s attacking approach in this Europa League clash should put them in a position to rack up corners. I expect them to press forward often and create enough set-piece situations to clear the 4.5 mark comfortably.
CSKA Sofia’s recent matches have been wide open, with four of the last five producing more than 2.5 goals. That pattern points to another lively evening against Maccabi Tel Aviv, so I’m taking Over 2.5 at 2.03.
CSKA Sofia’s home form and rating suggest they’re no worse than Maccabi Tel Aviv, so I’m backing the hosts to score at least twice. The odds at 2.38 make this a solid value play — I expect the total to clear.
CSKA Sofia will have their fans celebrating in this Europa League encounter. I'm expecting at least three goals to hit the board, so over 2.5 is the play here.
Under: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Maccabi Tel Aviv will struggle to break down CSKA Sofia’s defense tonight. I’m backing the visitors to finish with under 0.5 goals at a solid 2.95.
Handicap: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
CSKA Sofia against Maccabi Tel Aviv in the third qualifying round of the Europa League looks like a situation where the Bulgarian side merits a closer look. I am backing them with a zero handicap, which returns the stake if the match ends level. My view is simple: at odds of 1.68, this is a fair reflection of the balance on a single leg, without relying on any comeback from the away fixture. There is nothing fancy here—just the belief that Sofia can avoid defeat on their own pitch.
Yellow cards: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Maccabi Tel Aviv are in a must-score situation, which means they'll have to push forward aggressively, take more risks, and inevitably commit more fouls. In the first leg, already trailing 0–3, they picked up three yellow cards. Today, needing at least three goals to have any chance, I expect even more infringements — and that makes over 2.5 cards for the visitors a strong play at 2.21.
Match poster
❓ Frequently asked questions
When and where is the return leg between CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv?
The match is scheduled for August 13, 2026, at 19:00, and will be played in Sofia, Bulgaria.
What is the main prediction and betting tip for this match?
The main prediction is a CSKA Sofia win at odds of 2.35, while the total goals prediction is over 2.5 at 2.08.
Which team is considered the favourite and why?
CSKA Sofia are clear favourites after a 3-0 first-leg win, superior match sharpness, and a nine-game unbeaten run. Maccabi Tel Aviv must chase the deficit but lack domestic game time.
Are there any key injuries or unavailable players for this match?
Maccabi Tel Aviv will be without injured players Gropper, Belić, Layous, and Nicolascu. CSKA Sofia report no unavailable players.
What was the result of the first leg between these teams?
CSKA Sofia won the first leg 3-0 away in Batumi, with goals from Max Ebong, Leandro Godoy, and Joel Zwarts.