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

CSKA Sofia welcome Maccabi Tel Aviv to National Stadium Vasil Levski in Sofia on 13 August 2026 for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round tie. After a dominant 3-0 away win in Batumi a week earlier, the Bulgarian side are firmly in control of the matchup and now look to finish the job in front of their own fans.

For CSKA Sofia, this is a chance to confirm their growing European pedigree. Unbeaten in five Europa League fixtures this season and with an impressive balance between attack and defence, they come into this home leg with confidence and a strong platform to reach the play-off round. Maccabi Tel Aviv, meanwhile, must chase a three-goal deficit on the road – a daunting task, but not an impossible one for a club with proven attacking firepower and a recent 5-0 away win in this campaign.

The tie’s context shapes the likely match narrative: CSKA can afford to manage the game and exploit transitions, while Maccabi have no option but to open up and attack. That dynamic, combined with both teams’ Europa League scoring records so far, makes this a fascinating betting and tactical contest.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Key Stats

• CSKA Sofia are unbeaten in their 5 UEFA Europa League matches this season, with 4 wins and 1 draw, scoring 9 and conceding just 3.
• The only previous meeting between the sides came on 06 August 2026 in Batumi, where CSKA Sofia beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-0 in the first leg.
• Across their Europa League campaign, CSKA Sofia average 1.8 goals scored and 0.6 conceded per game, while Maccabi Tel Aviv average 2.0 scored and 1.0 conceded.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv — 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: CSKA Sofia 3, Maccabi Tel Aviv 2 (Europa League 2026 statistics)

Formal group or league standings are not yet in play at this qualifying stage, but the broader Europa League statistics still tell a clear story. CSKA Sofia have played 5 matches, winning 4 and drawing 1, and have yet to lose. Their 9 goals scored and only 3 conceded underline a side that is both productive in attack and disciplined at the back.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League run has been shorter but also eventful: 3 matches, 2 wins and 1 defeat, with 6 goals scored and 3 conceded. They have already shown they can be explosive away from home with a 5-0 victory, but the 3-0 loss to CSKA in the first leg exposed defensive vulnerabilities when pushed out of their comfort zone.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Key Matchups

CSKA attacking unit vs Maccabi Tel Aviv back line

Without individual goals and assists data, the focus shifts to unit performance. CSKA Sofia’s attack has produced 9 goals in 5 Europa League games, averaging 1.8 per match. They have hit at least 2 goals in several fixtures, with their biggest wins being 3-2 at home and 3-0 away. That versatility – scoring both in tight games and in dominant wins – suggests an attack capable of adapting to different defensive setups.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defence has kept 2 clean sheets in 3 matches, but both came in games where they controlled the tempo. When forced to chase, as in the 0-3 home defeat to CSKA, they left gaps that were ruthlessly exploited. With Maccabi now needing goals in Sofia, their back line again risks being exposed by CSKA’s quick transitions and varied formations (CSKA have already used systems such as 4-3-3, 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 in this campaign).

Maccabi Tel Aviv attack vs CSKA Sofia defensive organisation

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s attacking numbers remain dangerous: 6 goals in 3 Europa League matches, with a remarkable away average of 5.0 goals per game thanks to that 5-0 win. They have also converted their only penalty of the campaign. When they find rhythm, they can overwhelm opponents, especially on the counter and with direct play.

CSKA Sofia’s defence, however, has been one of the standout units of qualifying. Three clean sheets from 5 matches and only 3 goals conceded (0.6 per game) highlight a well-drilled back line. They tend to concede more in the latter stages – a significant share of goals against has come after the 31st minute – but overall their structure and flexibility in formations have made them hard to break down. The battle between Maccabi’s need to attack and CSKA’s compact defensive block will be central to how this second leg unfolds.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

The clubs have only just begun their head-to-head history, with the first leg in Batumi providing a clear early marker. CSKA Sofia struck early, controlled the game, and punished Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defensive errors.

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

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction

Stats suggest CSKA Sofia hold a clear edge heading into this second leg. They are unbeaten in Europa League qualifying, have the stronger recent form profile, and come off a 3-0 away win in the first leg. Their last-five form index is high, and they combine a solid attack with one of the more reliable defences in this round.

Prediction models give CSKA Sofia a 45% chance of winning the match, with the draw also at 45% and Maccabi Tel Aviv at just 10%. That reflects both CSKA’s control of the tie and the game-state dynamics: they do not need to chase the result, while Maccabi must take risks. Those risks could create chances for the visitors, but they are just as likely to open the door for CSKA to counter.

Given CSKA’s defensive record and the likelihood that they will prioritise game management over all-out attack, a tight, lower-scoring contest than the first leg is plausible. Maccabi’s need to push may see them on the scoresheet, but CSKA’s organisation and home advantage should still tell.

Predicted Score: CSKA Sofia 1-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv

CSKA Sofia Recent Form

CSKA Sofia’s Europa League form has been excellent: 4 wins and 1 draw from 5 matches, with 9 goals scored and only 3 conceded. They have shown they can win both at home and away, with their biggest away victory being 3-0 and their strongest home result 3-2. Three clean sheets in this run underline their defensive solidity, and they have yet to lose in this European campaign.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Form

Maccabi Tel Aviv have played 3 Europa League matches, winning 2 and losing 1. They opened with back-to-back victories, including a 5-0 away win that showcased their attacking potential, but the 0-3 home defeat to CSKA Sofia was a major setback. Across these games they have scored 6 and conceded 3, with 2 clean sheets. The pattern suggests a side capable of both dominance and vulnerability, particularly when forced out of their preferred game plan.

CSKA Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

Potential key players (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 Europa League qualifying, including 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 3-5-2 and 4-1-4-1, which reflects a flexible tactical approach. With multiple options in defence and midfield, they can switch between a more conservative setup to protect their aggregate lead and a more expansive shape to exploit space on the counter. Expect a balanced XI with a solid back four, a compact midfield shield, and at least two forwards or wide attackers to threaten in transition.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Possible Starting Lineup

Potential key players (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 this Europa League campaign. Chasing a three-goal deficit, they are likely to opt for an attack-minded shape, perhaps with a back four and multiple advanced midfielders and forwards. The squad list shows ample attacking options, allowing for aggressive substitutions if they are still behind on aggregate in the second half. The risk, however, is leaving their defensive line exposed against CSKA’s counters.

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 betting angles based on current stats and prices:

• Result Tip: Back CSKA Sofia Draw No Bet or Double Chance (CSKA or Draw). Prediction models give CSKA a 45% win probability and the draw another 45%, with Maccabi at just 10%. The match-winner odds make CSKA clear favourites, with home prices ranging from 1.98 to 2.14 (implied probability roughly 46.7% to 50.5%), while away odds sit between 3.40 and 4.05 (about 24.7% to 29.4%). This supports a home-favoured angle with some insurance against a stalemate.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 goals. CSKA’s Europa League matches average 2.4 total goals (1.8 for, 0.6 against), and Maccabi’s average 3.0 (2.0 for, 1.0 against). With CSKA protecting a 3-0 aggregate lead, a more controlled tempo is likely. While specific totals odds are not listed here, the combination of CSKA’s strong defence and the game-state suggests a lower-scoring second leg than the first.
• Value Tip: Draw in the Match Winner market. The draw odds range from 3.10 to 3.25 (implied probability around 30.8% to 32.3%), while prediction models rate the draw at 45 out of 100. That discrepancy points to potential value on a stalemate, especially given CSKA’s incentive to manage the game rather than overcommit and Maccabi’s need to attack but against a well-organised defence.

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