CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

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.