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

Maccabi Tel Aviv host CSKA Sofia at Bloomfield Stadium in Tel-Aviv on 6 August 2026 in the UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round, with both sides looking to take a crucial step towards the group stage. Early qualifying ties like this often define a club’s European campaign, and the first leg in Israel should set the tone for a finely balanced matchup.

Both teams arrive in strong early-European form. Maccabi Tel Aviv have been perfect so far in this Europa League campaign, winning both of their qualifiers without conceding. CSKA Sofia, meanwhile, have already played four Europa League fixtures, remaining unbeaten and showing resilience at both ends of the pitch. With the betting markets edging slightly towards the home side and prediction models highlighting a tight contest, this looks like one of the standout ties of the 3rd Qualifying Round.

For bettors and fans searching for Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia prediction, Europa League betting tips, and detailed match analysis, this preview breaks down key stats, tactical trends, and value angles ahead of Thursday’s kick-off.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Key Stats

• Maccabi Tel Aviv have won both of their Europa League qualifiers so far, scoring 6 goals and conceding none across 2 matches.
• CSKA Sofia are unbeaten in 4 Europa League games this campaign, with 3 wins and 1 draw and no defeats recorded yet.
• Maccabi Tel Aviv average 3.0 goals scored per Europa League match (6 in 2), while CSKA Sofia average 1.5 goals scored per game (6 in 4).

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia — Tale of the Tape

• Position: Not available vs Not available
• Points: Not available vs Not available
• Goals For: Not available vs Not available
• Goals Against: Not available vs Not available
• Clean Sheets: Maccabi Tel Aviv 2 (tournament statistics) vs CSKA Sofia 2 (tournament statistics)

Traditional league-style standings are not yet available for this Europa League qualifying phase, but the early-round statistics already paint a clear picture. Maccabi Tel Aviv have been ruthless in their two matches, winning both, scoring 6 and conceding 0. They have shown they can win tight (1-0 at home) and dominate away (5-0), underlining both defensive solidity and attacking punch.

CSKA Sofia’s body of work is slightly larger, with 4 matches yielding 3 wins and 1 draw. They have scored 6 and conceded 3, keeping 2 clean sheets and never losing. While Maccabi’s numbers are more explosive in attack and flawless in defence, CSKA’s consistency across more fixtures suggests they are battle-hardened and capable of adapting to different game states. Overall, this looks like a clash between a high-ceiling home side and a resilient, well-tested visitor.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Key Matchups

Maccabi Tel Aviv attacking unit vs CSKA Sofia defensive structure

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League campaign so far has showcased a flexible attacking approach. They have used both a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3 formation, scoring 6 goals across 2 matches and averaging 3.0 goals per game. They have also converted their only penalty, highlighting efficiency in key moments. With 5 of those 6 goals coming away from home, their ability to carry threat in transition and from multiple attacking patterns is clear.

CSKA Sofia’s defence will be tested, but their record suggests they are up for the challenge. Across 4 Europa League games they have conceded just 3 goals (0.8 per match) and kept 2 clean sheets. They have operated in four different formations — 4-3-1-2, 3-5-2, 4-4-2, and 4-1-4-1 — demonstrating tactical versatility. Their goals-against distribution shows that a significant share of goals conceded has come late in games, particularly in the 76–90 minute window, so concentration in the closing stages will be crucial against a Maccabi side that scores in multiple time bands.

CSKA Sofia midfield balance vs Maccabi Tel Aviv defensive resilience

CSKA Sofia’s attack is built on a solid midfield base. They average 1.5 goals per Europa League match, with goals spread fairly evenly between the 16–75 minute ranges. This suggests they can grow into games and maintain offensive output over long spells. Their last-five record (3 wins, 1 draw) shows they can edge tight contests, including a best home win of 3-2 and an away win of 2-1.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defence has been perfect so far in Europe, conceding 0 goals in 2 matches. They have kept a clean sheet both home and away and have yet to allow a single goal at any time interval in this campaign. Their comparison indices underline this defensive strength: in the defensive comparison, Maccabi are rated at 100 versus 0 for CSKA Sofia. How CSKA’s midfield and forwards manage to break down this back line, particularly in the middle phases of the match where they usually score, could decide the tie.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

There are no recent recorded head-to-head meetings between Maccabi Tel Aviv and CSKA Sofia in the available data, so this tie effectively starts with a clean slate in historical terms.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Prediction

All indicators point towards a tight, tactical first leg. Maccabi Tel Aviv have been flawless so far: 2 wins from 2, 6 scored, 0 conceded, and a 100 defensive index in the comparison model. They also benefit from home advantage at Bloomfield Stadium, where they have already shown they can manage a controlled 1-0 win in this Europa League run.

CSKA Sofia, however, bring more match rhythm in Europe: 4 games, 3 wins, 1 draw, and no defeats. Their recent-form index is stronger (form comparison 63 vs 38), and they have found ways to win both high-scoring and tighter contests. The prediction metrics give Maccabi Tel Aviv a 45% chance of victory, the draw also at 45%, and CSKA Sofia at 10%, underlining expectations of a low-scoring home-favoured match where the Israelis are more likely to avoid defeat than to blow the tie open.

With the goals thresholds in the prediction advice leaning towards under 3.5 and both sides showing strong defensive numbers (4 combined clean sheets in 6 total Europa League matches), this has the feel of a cagey first leg. Maccabi’s home edge and perfect defensive record give them a slight nod, but CSKA’s unbeaten run suggests they can keep it close.

Predicted Score: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-0 CSKA Sofia

Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Form

In Europa League action, Maccabi Tel Aviv are in excellent recent form. They have won both of their qualifiers so far, with a form line of WW. Across those 2 matches they have scored 6 goals (3.0 per game) and conceded none, keeping 2 clean sheets. Their last five summary shows 100 in defensive performance and a solid attacking contribution, underlining a team that is both efficient and hard to break down.

CSKA Sofia Recent Form

CSKA Sofia’s recent Europa League form is also strong. Their form string stands at WWDW across 4 matches, reflecting 3 wins and 1 draw with no defeats. They have scored 6 goals (1.5 per match) and conceded only 3, with 2 clean sheets in that span. Their last-five metrics show a higher overall form index than Maccabi Tel Aviv and a strong defensive profile, making them a dangerous, well-balanced opponent despite playing away from home.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Possible Starting Lineup

GK: O. Melika or R. Mishpati; Defenders: T. Asante, M. Camara, R. Revivo, R. Shlomo, S. Yehezkel; Midfielders: K. Belić, D. Glazer, Dor Peretz, I. Shahar, I. Sissokho, K. Andrade; Forwards: Orel Baaia, E. Madmon, Y. Malede, S. Farhi.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have a deep squad with multiple options in defence and midfield, which fits their use of both 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 systems in Europa League qualifying. The presence of experienced midfielders like Dor Peretz and D. Glazer, alongside younger creative options such as K. Andrade and I. Shahar, should allow them to control possession at home. In attack, players like Y. Malede and Orel Baaia offer mobility and penetration, ideal for breaking down a compact CSKA Sofia back line. With no confirmed injury absences listed, the coach should have flexibility to adjust shape between a back three and a back four depending on game state.

CSKA Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

GK: D. Evtimov; Defenders: J. Gbamin, Adrián Lapeña, Á. Martino, Pastor, Facundo Santiago Rodríguez, A. Yordanov; Midfielders: M. Ebong, Bruno Jordão, J. Iliev, J. Eto'o, M. Brahimi, S. Sensi, I. Solet Bomawoko; Forwards: M. Phaëton, I. Pittas, S. Godoy, K. Dodaj.

CSKA Sofia have rotated through four different formations in their 4 Europa League matches, indicating a tactically flexible squad. Defenders like Adrián Lapeña and Á. Martino provide a solid base, while midfielders such as Bruno Jordão, M. Ebong, and S. Sensi can offer both ball-winning and progression. In attack, options like M. Phaëton, I. Pittas, and S. Godoy give CSKA a blend of physical presence and movement. This versatility should help them adapt to Maccabi’s structure, whether facing a back three or back four, and remain competitive over 90 minutes.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Team News

No significant absences reported.

CSKA Sofia Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Maccabi Tel Aviv:

• None reported.

CSKA Sofia:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia

Exactly 3 distinct betting ideas based on current stats and odds:

• Result Tip: Maccabi Tel Aviv Draw No Bet. With prediction metrics giving Maccabi a 45% win probability and only 10% for CSKA Sofia, plus the home side’s perfect record (2 wins, 6 scored, 0 conceded), siding with the Israelis with some insurance looks sensible. Market odds for the home win range from 1.95 to 2.03 across bookmakers, implying roughly a 49.3%–51.3% chance. A Draw No Bet variant will be shorter, but still offers value given Maccabi’s defensive strength and home advantage.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 total goals. The prediction advice explicitly combines Maccabi Tel Aviv or draw with under 3.5 goals, and both teams’ Europa League numbers back a relatively controlled game: Maccabi have seen 2 matches produce 6 goals but with a very solid defence, while CSKA’s 4 games have averaged 2.25 total goals (6 scored, 3 conceded). With the market slightly favouring a tight contest and both sides boasting 2 clean sheets each, under 3.5 goals is a logical angle at typical qualifying-round prices.
• Value Tip: Draw in the Match Winner market. The prediction probabilities rate the draw at 45%, matching Maccabi’s win chance and far above CSKA’s 10%. Yet the draw odds sit between 3.10 and 3.42, implying an approximate probability range of 29.2%–32.3%. That gap between a roughly one-in-three market price and a much higher modelled probability suggests potential value on the stalemate in what could be a cagey first leg between two unbeaten sides.

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