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 form suggests a tight, competitive tie between two teams who have yet to taste defeat in this campaign.

The Israeli side come into this clash with a perfect record in Europe so far, winning both of their qualifiers with an impressive 6 goals scored and none conceded. CSKA Sofia, meanwhile, have already played four matches in this Europa League run, remaining unbeaten with three wins and one draw, showing resilience and balance between attack and defence.

With the bookmakers narrowly favouring Maccabi Tel Aviv at home but predictive metrics pointing to a very even contest, this fixture sets up as one of the standout ties of the qualifying round for those looking for Europa League predictions and betting tips.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Key Stats

• Maccabi Tel Aviv have won 2 out of 2 Europa League qualifiers so far, scoring 6 and conceding 0.
• CSKA Sofia are unbeaten in 4 Europa League matches this campaign, with 3 wins and 1 draw.
• Maccabi Tel Aviv average 3.0 goals scored per game and 0.0 conceded across 2 matches; CSKA Sofia average 1.5 scored and 0.8 conceded across 4 matches.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia — Tale of the Tape

• Position: — vs —
• Points: — vs —
• Goals For: 6 (Maccabi Tel Aviv, 2 matches) vs 6 (CSKA Sofia, 4 matches)
• Goals Against: 0 (Maccabi Tel Aviv) vs 3 (CSKA Sofia)
• Clean Sheets: Maccabi Tel Aviv 2; CSKA Sofia 2

There is no formal group or league table yet at this qualifying stage, but early-round statistics give a clear picture of how each side has approached the competition. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s two wins have been dominant: 1-0 at home and a 5-0 away victory, highlighting both defensive solidity and an ability to explode in attack.

CSKA Sofia’s path has been slightly longer and more varied. Over 4 matches, they have scored 6 goals and conceded 3, showing they can edge tight games (with wins such as 3-2 at home and 2-1 away) but are also more open defensively. Both teams boast two clean sheets, underlining that despite the attacking numbers, defensive organisation has been a key part of their qualifying runs.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Key Matchups

Maccabi Tel Aviv midfield unit vs CSKA Sofia midfield rotation

With no individual top scorers or assist leaders listed, the battle in the middle of the park becomes crucial. Maccabi Tel Aviv have alternated between a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3 in their two qualifiers, suggesting flexibility and a strong, hard-working midfield core. Their ability to control games is reflected in 6 goals scored and none conceded, plus a perfect record in penalties (1 scored from 1 taken).

CSKA Sofia, on the other hand, have used four different formations across their four matches — 4-3-1-2, 3-5-2, 4-4-2, and 4-1-4-1. This tactical fluidity can be a strength, allowing them to adapt to the opponent, but it also demands cohesion from midfielders like Bruno Jordão, M. Ebong and others to keep structure. The side averages 1.5 goals per game and has conceded in 3 of 4 matches, so how well their midfield screens the back line in Tel-Aviv could be decisive.

Defensive resilience: Maccabi Tel Aviv back line vs CSKA Sofia attack

Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defence has been flawless so far in qualifying, with 2 clean sheets in 2 matches and an average of 0.0 goals conceded per game. Their biggest wins — 1-0 at home and 5-0 away — underline a side that rarely gives up chances and punishes opponents when opportunities arise.

CSKA Sofia’s attack has been steady rather than explosive, with 6 goals in 4 games and scoring in 3 of those 4 fixtures. They have shown they can win high-scoring encounters (3-2 at home) and grind out tighter results (2-1 away). The key matchup will be whether CSKA’s forwards and attacking midfielders can break down a Maccabi defence that has yet to be breached in this Europa League campaign.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

There are no recorded recent head-to-head meetings between Maccabi Tel Aviv and CSKA Sofia in the available data. This adds an extra layer of uncertainty, with both teams facing each other competitively for the first time in this context.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia Prediction

Stats suggest a finely balanced tie. Maccabi Tel Aviv have been perfect so far, with a 100% win record, 3.0 goals scored per game and no goals conceded. CSKA Sofia bring more match sharpness in Europe, with four qualifiers already played, an 83% positive recent form index and a record of 3 wins and 1 draw.

The prediction model gives Maccabi Tel Aviv a 45% chance of victory, the draw also at 45%, and CSKA Sofia at 10%. That implies a strong lean towards the home side avoiding defeat, but it also underlines how likely a stalemate could be in the first leg of a two-legged tie, especially with both teams defensively capable and aware of the stakes.

Given that the goals projections are expressed as thresholds rather than exact scores, the safest view is of a tight, low-to-moderate scoring contest. Maccabi’s clean-sheet record and CSKA’s generally solid defence point to a cautious first leg where neither side wants to overcommit.

Predicted Score: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-0 CSKA Sofia

Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Form

Maccabi Tel Aviv have started their Europa League campaign in outstanding fashion. Across 2 matches, they have won both, scoring 6 goals and conceding none. Their recent form string in this competition is effectively two straight wins, backed by 2 clean sheets and an attacking output that includes a 5-0 away victory. They have also successfully converted their only penalty, reflecting composure in key moments.

CSKA Sofia Recent Form

CSKA Sofia’s recent Europa League form is also strong. Over 4 qualifying matches, they remain unbeaten with 3 wins and 1 draw. They have scored in 3 of those 4 games, averaging 1.5 goals per match, while conceding 0.8 on average. Their form pattern shows two wins, a draw, and another win, highlighting consistency and resilience, though they have been more vulnerable defensively than Maccabi Tel Aviv.

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/Attackers: S. Farhi, Orel Baaia, E. Madmon, Y. Malede, Hélio Varela, O. Davida.

Maccabi Tel Aviv have already shown they can line up in both a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-3 during qualifying, suggesting a flexible approach at Bloomfield Stadium. With multiple defensive options and a deep midfield group, they can either pack the centre of the pitch or push wide through full-backs like S. Yehezkel. The presence of several young attackers such as S. Farhi, Orel Baaia and E. Madmon gives them pace and energy in the final third, while experienced midfielders like Dor Peretz and D. Glazer provide balance and control.

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. Eto'o, J. Iliev, M. Brahimi, S. Sensi, I. Solet Bomawoko, V. Kaymakanov; Forwards/Attackers: S. Godoy, M. Phaëton, I. Pittas, K. Dodaj, Léo Pereira, A. Piedrahita.

CSKA Sofia have used four different formations in four Europa League matches, including 4-3-1-2 and 3-5-2, highlighting tactical versatility. With experienced players like D. Evtimov in goal, J. Gbamin in defence and creative midfielders such as Bruno Jordão and M. Brahimi, they have the tools to adapt to Maccabi’s shape. In attack, options like M. Phaëton, I. Pittas and S. Godoy offer different profiles, from physical presence to mobility, which could be rotated depending on whether CSKA prioritise solidity or away goals.

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 tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Maccabi Tel Aviv to win (Home). The prediction model gives Maccabi a 45% chance of victory, with CSKA at just 10% and the draw also at 45%. Home advantage at Bloomfield Stadium, plus 2 wins from 2 with no goals conceded, strengthens the case for a home win. Market odds for the home side range from 1.95 to 2.03, implying an approximate probability between about 49.3% (odds 2.03) and 51.3% (odds 1.95). This aligns reasonably with the analytics edge towards Maccabi.
• Goals Tip: Under 3.5 goals. Both teams have shown solid defensive structures in qualifying: Maccabi Tel Aviv have yet to concede in 2 matches, while CSKA Sofia concede only 0.8 goals per game on average. The predictions advice specifically combines “Maccabi Tel Aviv or draw and under 3.5 goals”, indicating an expectation of a relatively low-scoring encounter. While exact under/over odds for this fixture are not listed here, the defensive numbers and cautious first-leg dynamics support a position on fewer than 4 goals.
• Value Tip: Draw in the Match Winner market. With the draw probability rated at 45% — equal to Maccabi’s win chance — the price band for the draw between 3.10 and 3.42 suggests an implied probability of roughly 29.2% (odds 3.42) to 32.3% (odds 3.10). That gap between the implied range and the 45% analytical estimate hints at potential value on the stalemate, especially given CSKA’s unbeaten run and Maccabi’s likely caution to avoid conceding an away goal.

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