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

CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv meet at National Stadium Vasil Levski in Sofia on 13 August 2026 in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round tie. With a place in the play-off round at stake, this clash comes just a week after CSKA’s emphatic 3-0 away win in Batumi, which has dramatically tilted the balance of the tie.

The Bulgarian side arrive with momentum and a commanding aggregate lead, underpinned by an unbeaten Europa League run so far. Maccabi Tel Aviv, meanwhile, must overturn a three-goal deficit on the road – a huge task, but not impossible for a club with proven European pedigree and attacking firepower.

Stats suggest a fascinating tactical battle: CSKA Sofia have combined defensive solidity with efficient finishing, while Maccabi Tel Aviv’s numbers show they can score in bursts, especially away from home. This Europa League qualifier has clear implications for both clubs’ European campaigns and offers several angles for betting analysis and predictions.

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 across 5 matches, scoring 9 and conceding just 3.
  • The only recent head-to-head meeting on 06 August 2026 saw CSKA Sofia beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-0 at Batumi Arena in the UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round.
  • In tournament statistics, CSKA Sofia have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 matches, while Maccabi Tel Aviv have 2 clean sheets in 3 games.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv — Tale of the Tape

  • Position: Not available vs Not available
  • Points: Not available vs Not available
  • 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)

There is no formal group or league table yet at this qualifying stage, but the underlying Europa League numbers are revealing. Across 5 matches, CSKA Sofia average 1.8 goals scored and just 0.6 conceded per game, highlighting a well-balanced side capable of controlling ties home and away.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s profile is more volatile but dangerous. In 3 matches they average 2.0 goals scored and 1.0 conceded, with a standout 5-0 away win showing their ceiling when the attack clicks. However, the 3-0 home loss to CSKA Sofia exposed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly when chasing the game.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Key Matchups

CSKA Sofia defensive unit vs Maccabi Tel Aviv attack

Without individual scorer or assist data, the key battle is collective: CSKA Sofia’s back line and midfield shield against a Maccabi Tel Aviv attack that has already produced 6 goals in 3 Europa League games. CSKA’s defensive numbers are outstanding – only 3 goals conceded in 5 matches, with 3 clean sheets – and they have not lost yet in this campaign.

Maccabi’s attack, by contrast, has been explosive in spurts: a 5-0 away win underlines their capacity to punish space, and they average 5.0 goals per game away in the competition so far (5 goals in 1 away match). If the Israelis are to mount a comeback, they must stretch CSKA’s defensive structure early, but that will inevitably open up counter-attacking lanes for the hosts.

Midfield control and tactical flexibility

Another crucial matchup lies in the middle of the pitch, where tactical flexibility could decide the tempo. CSKA Sofia have already used five different formations in this Europa League run (4-3-1-2, 3-5-2, 4-4-2, 4-1-4-1, 4-3-3), indicating a side comfortable adapting to opponents and game states. That versatility has helped them maintain an unbeaten record and manage leads effectively.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have also shown tactical variety, lining up in 3-5-2, 4-3-3, and 4-2-3-1 across three matches. However, with no margin for error after the first-leg defeat, they are likely to push extra numbers forward. How their midfield balances aggression with protection against CSKA’s counters will be decisive.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

These sides have only one recent competitive meeting on record in this Europa League campaign, and it was a statement result for CSKA Sofia.

  • 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 as favourites to progress and to at least avoid defeat on the night. The prediction model gives CSKA a 45% chance of winning this leg, with a 45% chance of a draw and only a 10% probability for a Maccabi Tel Aviv victory. That aligns with the first-leg dominance and CSKA’s broader Europa League form of 4 wins and 1 draw.

CSKA’s recent matches show a solid defensive base (0.6 goals conceded per game) and the ability to manage leads. With a 3-0 aggregate cushion, they do not need to chase the game, which should further strengthen their defensive posture. Maccabi Tel Aviv must be aggressive and take risks, and while they have the attacking potential to score, their need to push forward is likely to leave them exposed.

Given the goals threshold markers in the prediction data, a conservative scoreline is appropriate. CSKA are well-placed to control the tie, and a low-to-medium scoring match suits them. A narrow home win or a controlled draw looks most plausible.

Predicted Score: CSKA Sofia 1-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv

CSKA Sofia Recent Form

CSKA Sofia’s Europa League form is excellent. Across 5 matches they have 4 wins and 1 draw, remaining unbeaten. They average 1.8 goals scored and only 0.6 conceded per game, with 3 clean sheets. Their last five results in the competition include a 3-0 away win over Maccabi Tel Aviv and a 3-2 home victory as their biggest home success, underlining both attacking threat and resilience.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Form

Maccabi Tel Aviv have played 3 Europa League matches in this campaign, winning 2 and losing 1. Their form line features back-to-back wins before the 3-0 home defeat to CSKA Sofia. They score an average of 2.0 goals per match and concede 1.0, with a notable 5-0 away win as their standout result. However, the heavy loss in the first leg raises questions about their defensive stability under pressure.

CSKA Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

Key available players (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
Attackers: K. Dodaj, S. Godoy, I. Pittas, R. Zhivkov, J. Zwarts

CSKA Sofia have rotated through several formations (including 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 3-5-2), suggesting they can either sit in a compact shape or press higher depending on the match state. With a three-goal advantage, a balanced or slightly conservative setup is likely, focusing on a solid back four or back three shielded by experienced midfielders like Bruno Jordão and S. Sensi, while attackers such as I. Pittas, J. Zwarts and R. Zhivkov offer counter-attacking outlets.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Possible Starting Lineup

Key available players (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
Attackers: S. Farhi, Orel Baaia, E. Madmon, Y. Malede, E. Sokler

Maccabi Tel Aviv have used 3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 in this Europa League run. Chasing a 3-0 deficit, they are likely to opt for an attack-minded shape, perhaps 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with full-backs like R. Revivo and S. Yehezkel pushing high and midfielders such as Dor Peretz and D. Glazer tasked with driving the team forward. However, this attacking intent must be balanced against the risk of leaving space for CSKA’s forwards on the break.

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 Draw No Bet (home side to avoid defeat). The prediction model gives CSKA Sofia a 45% win probability and a 45% chance of a draw, with only 10% for a Maccabi win. The 1X (home or draw) angle is also supported by CSKA’s unbeaten Europa League record (4 wins, 1 draw). Market odds for a straight home win range from 1.98 to 2.14 (implied probability roughly 46.7% to 50.5%), making the hosts justifiable favourites. Using Draw No Bet or Double Chance on CSKA protects against a stalemate while staying aligned with both probabilities and form.
  • Goals Tip: Under 3.5 total goals. CSKA Sofia’s matches average 2.4 total goals (1.8 scored, 0.6 conceded), and only 2 of their 5 Europa League games have gone over 2.5 goals. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s total goals average is 3.0, but their home defeat to CSKA finished 3-0 with no reply. With the hosts defending a big aggregate lead, a more controlled tempo is likely, pointing towards a match that stays under the higher goal lines such as 3.5.
  • Value Tip: Correct Score – CSKA Sofia 1-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv (small stake). With the win/draw probabilities split 45%–45% and CSKA unlikely to overcommit, a draw is a realistic outcome if Maccabi push and find at least one goal. Both teams have shown they can score, but CSKA’s defensive strength suggests a tight contest. While correct-score markets are high-risk, the 1-1 scenario fits the tactical context and could offer attractive odds compared with the implied probabilities.

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

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