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

Maccabi Tel Aviv welcome CSKA Sofia to Bloomfield Stadium in Tel-Aviv on 6 August 2026 for a UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round first-leg tie that already looks like one of the more finely balanced matchups at this stage. Both sides arrive unbeaten in the competition so far and with strong early-season numbers behind them.

For Maccabi Tel Aviv, this is an opportunity to build on a perfect start in Europe: two wins from two, six goals scored and none conceded. Backed by a passionate home crowd, they will see this as a chance to take a first-leg advantage before a tricky return in Bulgaria. CSKA Sofia, meanwhile, have also made an impressive opening – unbeaten in four qualifiers, with three wins and just three goals conceded – and will be confident they can frustrate the hosts and keep the tie alive.

With both teams showing solid defensive records and efficient attacks, bettors and fans alike will be looking closely at Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia predictions, Europa League qualifying form trends, and value angles in what could be a cagey but high-quality contest.

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 0 across 2 matches.
• CSKA Sofia are unbeaten in 4 Europa League qualifiers (3 wins, 1 draw), scoring 6 and conceding 3.
• Maccabi Tel Aviv average 3.0 goals scored per game in qualifying, while CSKA Sofia average 1.5 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per match.

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 (qualifying statistics); CSKA Sofia 2 (qualifying statistics)

There is no group-stage or league table context yet for this tie, but the early Europa League qualifying numbers paint a clear picture. Maccabi Tel Aviv have been perfect so far: two wins from two, with a 1-0 home victory and a dominant 5-0 away success. They are yet to concede in 180 minutes of European football this campaign.

CSKA Sofia’s path has been slightly longer but just as encouraging. Across four qualifying matches, they have taken three wins and one draw, with a goal difference of +3 (6 scored, 3 conceded). They have shown they can edge tight games at home (notably a 3-2 win) and grind out results away (including a 1-2 victory), suggesting a side that adapts well to different game states and environments.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Key Matchups

Maccabi defensive unit vs CSKA Sofia attacking options

Without individual scorer data, the most telling matchup is collective: Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defence against CSKA Sofia’s attack. Maccabi have played 2 qualifiers, winning both, with 6 goals scored and none conceded. Their clean-sheet record (2 from 2) and zero goals against underline how hard they have been to break down, whether using a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3 shape.

CSKA Sofia, on the other hand, have found the net 6 times in 4 games, averaging 1.5 goals per match. They have scored in three of those four fixtures and have shown they can score multiple goals in a game (a 3-2 home win and a 1-2 away win). The battle between Maccabi’s compact, flexible back line and CSKA’s varied attacking options will be central to how this first leg unfolds.

Maccabi Tel Aviv midfield balance vs CSKA Sofia midfield depth

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s squad list suggests a deep midfield pool with players such as Dor Peretz, D. Glazer, K. Belić and I. Shahar providing a mix of experience and energy. Their early qualifying record – 6 goals scored, none conceded, and 100% penalty conversion (1 from 1) – hints at a side that controls central areas well and keeps composure in key moments.

CSKA Sofia counter with significant midfield depth of their own, including Bruno Jordão, M. Ebong, S. Sensi and M. Brahimi among others. Their 4 different formations used in 4 matches (4-3-1-2, 3-5-2, 4-4-2, 4-1-4-1) show tactical flexibility and the ability to adjust midfield structure based on opponent and game state. The side that wins the midfield battle is likely to dictate tempo and territory in this first leg.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

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

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Prediction

Stats suggest a tight, tactical first leg. Maccabi Tel Aviv come in with a flawless Europa League qualifying start: 2 wins from 2, 6 goals scored and none conceded. Their defensive numbers are particularly impressive, with opponents yet to find the net and under 0.5 goals conceded in both matches. They have also shown they can score early and spread goals across different time windows, indicating a threat throughout the 90 minutes.

CSKA Sofia’s recent form is also strong. Across 4 qualifiers they have 3 wins and 1 draw, with 6 goals scored and only 3 conceded. They have managed two clean sheets and have not lost yet, while their last-five form index is high. However, they have been involved in tighter contests, with an average of 1.5 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per game, and they have conceded late on occasion.

The prediction model leans slightly towards the hosts: Maccabi Tel Aviv are given a 45% chance of victory, the draw is also at 45%, and CSKA Sofia have a 10% chance of an away win. That points towards a match where Maccabi are marginal favourites but where a stalemate is almost as likely. With total goals guidance pointing under 3.5 and both teams showing solid defensive records, a low-scoring encounter looks probable.

Predicted Score: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-0 CSKA Sofia

Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Form

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s recent Europa League qualifying form has been outstanding. They have won both of their matches so far, one at home and one away, with an aggregate score of 6-0. Offensively, they average 3.0 goals per game (1.0 at home and 5.0 away), while defensively they have yet to concede. Their biggest wins include a 1-0 home success and a 0-5 away victory, and they have kept clean sheets in both fixtures.

CSKA Sofia Recent Form

CSKA Sofia’s recent qualifying run is similarly positive. Across 4 matches they have 3 wins and 1 draw, remaining unbeaten. They average 1.5 goals scored per game (2.0 at home, 1.0 away) and 0.8 goals conceded. They have recorded two clean sheets and have shown resilience in tight games, including a 3-2 home win and a 1-2 away win. Their form index over the last five matches is strong, reflecting a side in good rhythm.

Maccabi Tel Aviv Possible Starting Lineup

Likely key players (grouped by position):
Goalkeepers: O. Melika, R. Mishpati, S. Saadia
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/Attackers: S. Farhi, Orel Baaia, E. Madmon, Y. Malede

Maccabi Tel Aviv have alternated between a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3 across their two qualifiers, suggesting tactical flexibility. With two clean sheets and 6 goals scored, the core of the side is likely to be retained, with a stable back line built around experienced defenders such as M. Camara and R. Shlomo, and a midfield anchored by players like Dor Peretz and D. Glazer. The attacking roles could be shared among a number of young forwards, offering pace and movement in transition.

CSKA Sofia Possible Starting Lineup

Likely 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, Tamimou Ouorou
Midfielders: G. Chorbadzhiyski, M. Ebong, J. Eto'o, J. Iliev, Bruno Jordão, V. Kaymakanov, P. Panayotov, S. Sensi, I. Solet Bomawoko, M. Brahimi, Léo Pereira, A. Piedrahita
Forwards/Attackers: K. Dodaj, S. Godoy, M. Phaëton, I. Pittas, R. Zhivkov, J. Zwarts

CSKA Sofia have used four different formations in four matches (4-3-1-2, 3-5-2, 4-4-2, 4-1-4-1), underlining a highly adaptable tactical approach. Expect a solid spine featuring experienced players such as D. Evtimov in goal, Adrián Lapeña in defence, and midfield options like Bruno Jordão or S. Sensi to provide control. In attack, they have multiple options to rotate depending on whether they seek a more direct outlet or a more possession-based front line.

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 angles based on current stats and prices:

• Result Tip: Maccabi Tel Aviv Draw No Bet (or Home win on the 1X2 market). The prediction model gives Maccabi a 45% chance to win, with CSKA at just 10% and a 45% probability of a draw. Market odds for the home win range from 1.95 to 2.03 across bookmakers, implying an approximate probability band of 49.3% to 51.3%. Given Maccabi’s 2 wins from 2 and zero goals conceded, backing the hosts at around evens looks justified.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 total goals. Maccabi have seen under 3.5 goals in one of their two qualifiers (1-0 and 5-0), while CSKA’s matches average 2.3 total goals (6 scored, 3 conceded in 4 games). The prediction guidance also leans towards under 3.5 goals. While exact under/over odds are not listed in the provided prices, this market logically aligns with both teams’ defensive solidity and the importance of a first leg.
• Value Tip: Draw on the 1X2 market. The draw is rated at 45% by the prediction model, level with the home win probability. Yet bookmakers price the draw between 3.10 and 3.42, which implies roughly a 29.2% to 32.3% chance. With CSKA Sofia unbeaten in 4 qualifiers and Maccabi also in strong form, a tight, low-scoring stalemate is plausible and the draw appears slightly undervalued at these odds.

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