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CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction: Key Stats and Tips

CSKA Sofia welcome Maccabi Tel Aviv to National Stadium Vasil Levski in Sofia for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round tie on 13 August 2026. After a stunning 3-0 away win in the first leg at Batumi Arena, the Bulgarian side are in a commanding position to reach the play-off round.

For CSKA Sofia, this is an opportunity to confirm their strong early-season European form and protect a three-goal cushion in front of their own fans. Maccabi Tel Aviv, meanwhile, face a huge uphill task: they must score at least three times in Sofia to have any chance of turning the tie around, while also tightening up at the back after being exposed defensively in the first meeting.

Stats suggest CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv could still be a competitive Europa League qualifier despite the aggregate scoreline. CSKA’s excellent defensive record in the competition so far contrasts with Maccabi’s explosive but inconsistent attack, setting up an intriguing tactical battle in Sofia.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Key Stats

  • CSKA Sofia are unbeaten in the 2026 UEFA Europa League campaign, with 4 wins and 1 draw from 5 matches, scoring 9 and conceding just 3.
  • The only previous meeting between these sides came on 06 August 2026, when CSKA Sofia beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-0 at Batumi Arena in the first leg of this tie.
  • Across their Europa League fixtures, CSKA Sofia have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 matches, while Maccabi Tel Aviv have 2 clean sheets from 3 games.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv — Tale of the Tape

  • Position: Not applicable vs Not applicable
  • Points: Not applicable vs Not applicable
  • Goals For: 9 (CSKA Sofia, 5 matches) vs 6 (Maccabi Tel Aviv, 3 matches)
  • Goals Against: 3 (CSKA Sofia) vs 3 (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
  • Clean Sheets: CSKA Sofia 3; Maccabi Tel Aviv 2 (tournament statistics)

While there is no traditional league table context for this qualifier, the Europa League statistics paint a clear picture. CSKA Sofia have played 5 matches in the competition, winning 4 and drawing 1, with an average of 1.8 goals scored and just 0.6 conceded per game. They have yet to lose and have shown the ability to win both high-scoring and tight contests.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s sample size is smaller at 3 games, but they have been more volatile. They average 2.0 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per match, boosted heavily by a 5-0 away win, but their 3-0 home defeat to CSKA in the first leg underlines defensive fragility against stronger opposition. On current tournament form, CSKA look more balanced and consistent across both ends of the pitch.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Key Matchups

CSKA Sofia defensive unit vs Maccabi Tel Aviv attacking line

CSKA Sofia’s defensive structure has been one of the standout features of their Europa League run. Across 5 matches they have conceded only 3 goals, with 3 clean sheets and an average of 0.6 goals against per game. They have also shown resilience late in games, with a relatively low number of goals conceded overall and the ability to close out leads.

Maccabi Tel Aviv, by contrast, have produced extremes in attack. They have scored 6 goals in 3 matches, including a 5-0 away victory, and average 2.0 goals per game. Their scoring is spread across all phases of the match, with goals recorded in every 15-minute window from 0 to 90 minutes in their tournament statistics. The key question is whether that attacking potency can reappear against a CSKA back line that has already shut them out once and has not lost in the competition.

Midfield control: CSKA Sofia’s balance vs Maccabi Tel Aviv’s aggression

CSKA Sofia’s Europa League statistics suggest a well-balanced side. They have failed to score in only 1 of their 5 matches and have kept 3 clean sheets, indicating a midfield capable of both protecting the defence and supplying the attack. Their biggest wins (3-2 at home and 3-0 away) show they can adapt to different game states, either in open battles or controlled performances.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s midfield and forward lines are more boom-or-bust. They have failed to score in 1 of their 3 matches, but when they do click, they can be devastating, as seen in the 0-5 away win that stands as their biggest result. However, their goals against profile — 3 conceded in 3 matches, all at home — shows vulnerability when opponents can bypass their midfield pressure. In Sofia, the battle for second balls and transitions will be crucial if Maccabi are to chase the game without leaving themselves exposed again.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

These clubs have only just begun their European rivalry, with the first leg providing the initial data point. That encounter was one-sided on the scoreboard and gives CSKA Sofia a strong psychological edge heading into the return match.

  • 06 August 2026: Maccabi Tel Aviv 0-3 CSKA Sofia (UEFA Europa League)

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction

All indicators point to CSKA Sofia being in control of this tie. They are unbeaten in 5 Europa League matches, with a strong defensive record and a comfortable 3-0 aggregate lead. Their recent form index is high, with their last five games rated at 87 in the comparison model, and they hold clear edges in the form and attack indices compared with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The probability model gives CSKA Sofia a 45% chance of winning the match in 90 minutes, with a 45% chance of a draw and just a 10% chance of an away win. The advice leans towards a double chance in favour of CSKA Sofia or the draw, underlining their status as favourites to avoid defeat rather than needing to chase a victory at all costs.

Given CSKA’s solid defensive numbers and the game state — Maccabi Tel Aviv forced to open up and chase goals — the match could be more cautious from the hosts, especially early on. Maccabi’s attacking potential suggests they may find the net, but their defensive inconsistency and the pressure of needing a big scoreline make a full turnaround unlikely. A controlled home performance with limited risk-taking from CSKA feels the most plausible scenario.

Predicted Score: CSKA Sofia 1-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv

CSKA Sofia Recent Form

In Europa League action, CSKA Sofia have been in excellent recent form, putting together an unbeaten run with multiple wins and just a single draw across 5 matches. They have shown consistency in both home and away fixtures, averaging close to 2 goals scored per game while keeping 3 clean sheets. Their last five outings in the competition reflect a strong balance between attack and defence, with few signs of vulnerability.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Form

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s recent Europa League form has been mixed. They started strongly with back-to-back wins, including a dominant 5-0 away victory, but the 3-0 home defeat to CSKA Sofia in the first leg highlighted defensive weaknesses against higher-calibre opposition. Overall, they have 2 wins and 1 loss from 3 matches, with their form index suggesting a decent but less convincing run compared with CSKA’s.

CSKA Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

Likely squad options (grouped by position):
Goalkeepers: D. Evtimov, F. Lapoukhov, D. Nikolov
Defenders: J. Gbamin, T. Ivanov, Adrián Lapeña, Á. Martino, Pastor, Facundo Santiago Rodríguez, A. Tunchev, A. Yordanov
Midfielders: G. Chorbadzhiyski, M. Ebong, J. Eto'o, J. Iliev, Bruno Jordão, V. Kaymakanov, Tamimou Ouorou, P. Panayotov, S. Sensi, I. Solet Bomawoko, M. Brahimi, Léo Pereira, A. Piedrahita
Forwards: K. Dodaj, S. Godoy, I. Pittas, R. Zhivkov, J. Zwarts

CSKA Sofia have used a variety of formations in the Europa League — including 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 3-5-2 and 4-1-4-1 — which underlines their tactical flexibility. With a three-goal cushion, they may opt for a more balanced or conservative shape, perhaps a back four with an extra midfielder to protect their lead while still offering threat through forwards like S. Godoy, I. Pittas, R. Zhivkov or J. Zwarts. The depth in midfield, with players such as S. Sensi and Bruno Jordão, should allow them to control tempo and manage transitions.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Possible Starting Lineup

Likely squad options (grouped by position):
Goalkeepers: O. Melika, R. Mishpati, S. Saadia, Idan Trau
Defenders: T. Asante, I. Ben Hamo, N. Ben Harush, M. Camara, R. Revivo, S. Rosen, N. Schwartz, R. Shlomo, S. Yehezkel
Midfielders: K. Andrade, Lotem Asres, O. N. Azo, K. Belić, I. Ben Simon, Eran Ginat, D. Glazer, I. Noy, Dor Peretz, I. Shahar, I. Sissokho, O. Davida, Hélio Varela
Forwards: S. Farhi, Orel Baaia, E. Madmon, Y. Malede, E. Sokler

Maccabi Tel Aviv have alternated between 3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 in the Europa League, and chasing a three-goal deficit may push them towards a more aggressive, attack-minded setup such as 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. With forwards like Y. Malede and E. Sokler and attack-capable midfielders such as O. Davida and Hélio Varela, they have enough firepower to trouble CSKA. The risk is that committing numbers forward could expose a defence that has already conceded 3 goals at home to this opponent.

CSKA Sofia Team News

No significant absences reported.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

CSKA Sofia:

  • None reported.

Maccabi Tel Aviv:

  • None reported.

Betting Tips: CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

  • Result Tip: Back CSKA Sofia or Draw (Double Chance). The prediction model gives CSKA Sofia a 45% chance to win and the draw also at 45%, with just 10% for a Maccabi Tel Aviv victory. CSKA are unbeaten in 5 Europa League matches and hold a 3-0 aggregate lead. The match-winner odds range roughly from 1.98 to 2.14 for the home win, 3.10 to 3.25 for the draw, and 3.40 to 4.05 for the away win, implying the market sees CSKA as favourites but also respecting the draw. A conservative double-chance angle aligns with both probabilities and game context.
  • Goals Tip: Under 3.5 total goals. CSKA Sofia’s matches in this Europa League campaign have tended to be relatively controlled, with an average of 1.8 scored and 0.6 conceded per game. Maccabi Tel Aviv average 2.0 scored and 1.0 conceded, but the game state — CSKA protecting a big lead — points towards a more measured tempo from the hosts. With only 3 goals conceded by each side in the tournament so far, a moderately low-scoring contest (three goals or fewer) looks a reasonable angle, especially if CSKA are content to manage the tie rather than chase a high-scoring win.
  • Value Tip: Draw in the Match Winner market. With the probabilities giving the draw a 45% chance — equal to the home win — and draw odds in the 3.10–3.25 range (implied probability roughly 30.8%–32.3%), there may be value on a stalemate. CSKA Sofia do not need to win on the night and could prioritise game management, while Maccabi Tel Aviv will be forced to attack but may struggle to fully break down a disciplined defence. That combination often produces tight, balanced second legs where a draw is a realistic outcome at a bigger price.

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.

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