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 UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round, with the tie finely poised after a statement away win for the Bulgarians in the first leg. With a place in the play-off round on the line, this second leg has high stakes for both clubs and for their European ambitions this season.

CSKA Sofia come into the return fixture in excellent Europa League form, unbeaten across five matches and fresh from a dominant 3-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv on 6 August 2026 in Batumi. Maccabi, meanwhile, must overturn that heavy defeat away from home after an otherwise promising start to their European campaign, including a 5-0 away win earlier in qualifying.

From a betting perspective, this clash sits in a fascinating zone: the prediction models give CSKA Sofia and the draw an equal 45% chance each, with only a 10% probability assigned to an away win. Yet the market still offers competitive prices on the home side, creating potential angles for result and goals-based bets in this decisive Europa League qualifier.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Key Stats

• CSKA Sofia are unbeaten in the UEFA Europa League this season, with 4 wins and 1 draw across 5 matches, scoring 9 and conceding only 3.
• The only recent head-to-head meeting was on 6 August 2026, when CSKA Sofia beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-0 at Batumi Arena in the Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round.
• In tournament statistics, CSKA Sofia have kept 3 clean sheets in 5 Europa League games, while Maccabi Tel Aviv have 2 clean sheets from 3 matches.

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: 3 (CSKA Sofia tournament statistics) vs 2 (Maccabi Tel Aviv tournament statistics)

There is no group-stage standings table at this qualifying phase, but the underlying Europa League statistics paint a clear picture. Across 5 matches, CSKA Sofia average 1.8 goals scored and just 0.6 conceded per game, underlining a strong balance between attack and defence. They have yet to lose in this European campaign and have demonstrated tactical flexibility, using five different formations already.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have played fewer matches (3) but still show an attacking edge, averaging 2.0 goals scored per game and 1.0 conceded. Their away record is particularly eye-catching: 5 goals scored and none conceded in a single away outing. However, the 0-3 home defeat to CSKA Sofia exposes defensive vulnerabilities against stronger opposition and leaves them with a mountain to climb in Sofia.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Key Matchups

CSKA Sofia defence vs Maccabi Tel Aviv attack

Without explicit top scorers or assist leaders listed, the key battle is structural rather than individual. CSKA Sofia’s back line has allowed only 3 goals in 5 Europa League games, with 3 clean sheets and an average of 0.6 goals conceded per match. Their defensive numbers are particularly strong away (0.3 conceded on average), suggesting a unit comfortable under pressure and capable of managing game states.

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s attack, meanwhile, has produced 6 goals in 3 matches, with a remarkable 5.0 goals-per-game average away from home and 2.0 overall. They have failed to score only once – that 0-3 loss to CSKA Sofia. For Maccabi to have any chance of turning the tie around, their forwards must reproduce the ruthless finishing they showed in their 5-0 away win earlier in qualifying, against a defence that has so far proven difficult to break down.

Midfield control: CSKA Sofia’s stability vs Maccabi Tel Aviv’s variability

CSKA Sofia’s ability to switch between formations – 4-3-1-2, 3-5-2, 4-4-2, 4-1-4-1 and 4-3-3 all used at least once – highlights a flexible midfield core that can adapt to different match scenarios. This has helped them maintain an unbeaten run and a strong last-five record, with 9 goals scored and only 3 conceded in that span.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have also shown tactical variety with 3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 all deployed. Their midfield has supported both solid defensive displays (2 clean sheets) and high-scoring performances. However, the defeat to CSKA suggests that when pressed by a compact, organised opponent, their midfield can be disrupted, impacting both build-up and defensive protection.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

These sides have met recently in this same Europa League qualifying round, with CSKA Sofia taking full control of the tie in the first leg.

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

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction

All indicators point towards CSKA Sofia being in the stronger position heading into this second leg. They are unbeaten in five Europa League matches, have a superior defensive record, and carry a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead from the first leg. Their recent form index over the last five games is high, with strong attacking and defensive ratings and a clear edge in the head-to-head comparison.

Prediction models assign CSKA Sofia a 45% chance of winning on the night, with the draw also at 45% and only a 10% probability of a Maccabi Tel Aviv victory. The “win or draw” comment and double-chance advice in favour of CSKA underline that the home side are expected to manage the tie effectively, even if they do not need to chase goals aggressively. Given their solid defensive record and the likelihood that game state will favour control over risk, a relatively low-scoring contest seems plausible.

Predicted Score: CSKA Sofia 1-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv

CSKA Sofia Recent Form

CSKA Sofia’s recent Europa League form is excellent. Across their last five matches in the competition, they are unbeaten with four wins and one draw, scoring 9 goals (1.8 per game) and conceding just 3 (0.6 per game). They have kept 3 clean sheets in that span and shown the ability to both win tightly and record convincing victories, including the 3-0 away win over Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Form

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League campaign has been more volatile but still promising overall. In three matches, they have 2 wins and 1 defeat, with 6 goals scored (2.0 per game) and 3 conceded (1.0 per game). Their highlight is a 5-0 away win earlier in qualifying, demonstrating a high attacking ceiling. However, the 0-3 home defeat to CSKA Sofia raises questions about their consistency against stronger opposition and their ability to recover in a hostile away environment.

CSKA Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

GK: D. Evtimov; Defenders: J. Gbamin, Adrián Lapeña, Á. Martino, Pastor, Facundo Santiago Rodríguez; Midfielders: M. Ebong, Bruno Jordão, S. Sensi, M. Brahimi, I. Solet Bomawoko, Lé o Pereira; Forwards: S. Godoy, I. Pittas, R. Zhivkov, J. Zwarts, K. Dodaj.

CSKA Sofia have a deep squad with multiple options across the back line and midfield. With several defenders such as J. Gbamin, Adrián Lapeña, Á. Martino and Pastor, they can comfortably set up in either a back four or back three, as reflected in their varied formations so far. In midfield, players like M. Ebong, Bruno Jordão and S. Sensi offer control and passing, while attacking options including S. Godoy, I. Pittas, R. Zhivkov and J. Zwarts give flexibility between playing with two strikers or a lone forward supported by wide players. Expect a balanced, compact shape designed to protect the aggregate lead while still carrying a threat in transition.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Possible Starting Lineup

GK: R. Mishpati; Defenders: M. Camara, R. Revivo, R. Shlomo, S. Rosen, S. Yehezkel; Midfielders: D. Glazer, Dor Peretz, K. Belić, I. Shahar, I. Sissokho, O. N. Azo; Forwards: E. Sokler, Y. Malede, Hélio Varela, E. Madmon, Orel Baaia, S. Farhi.

Maccabi Tel Aviv also have significant tactical flexibility, having used 3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 in their three Europa League games. Defenders such as M. Camara, R. Revivo and S. Yehezkel provide options for both a back three and back four, while midfielders like D. Glazer and Dor Peretz can anchor the centre. In attack, E. Sokler, Y. Malede and Hélio Varela are among several options who can operate across the front line. Chasing a three-goal deficit, Maccabi are likely to adopt an aggressive shape with attacking full-backs or wing-backs, but they must balance this with the risk of conceding 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 betting angles stand out for this Europa League qualifier:

• Result Tip: Back CSKA Sofia Draw No Bet. Prediction models give CSKA a 45% chance of winning and only 10% for a Maccabi victory, with a strong unbeaten run and a 3-0 first-leg win behind them. Market odds for the home win range from 1.98 to 2.14, implying roughly a 46.7%–50.5% chance. Using a Draw No Bet variant reduces risk while still capitalising on CSKA’s edge.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 Total Goals. CSKA Sofia’s 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 big aggregate lead and boasting 3 clean sheets in 5 games, a controlled tempo is likely. Look for under-goals prices in the main totals markets to reflect a relatively tight encounter compared to Maccabi’s earlier high-scoring away win.
• Value Tip: CSKA Sofia to Win & Under 3.5 Goals (Same-Game Combo). CSKA are defensively solid and do not need to chase a high score, while Maccabi must attack but face an organised back line. With the home win priced between 1.98 and 2.14 and the away win out at 3.40–4.05 (≈24.7%–29.4% implied), combining a CSKA victory with a moderate goal line could offer enhanced value for bettors seeking a higher return on a scenario that aligns with both form and tactical expectations.

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