Read our prediction for CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv below. This preview was written by a sport journalist who is specialised in betting tips and predictions.
CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction & Betting tips
PFC CSKA Sofia holds a commanding 3-0 aggregate lead over Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. ahead of their second-leg clash on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Contrary to your prompt, this match is actually part of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, not the Champions League. The winner on aggregate will advance directly to the playoff round to face Greek side OFI Crete. The first leg, played at a neutral venue in Batumi, Georgia, was thoroughly dominated by the Bulgarian side. CSKA Sofia struck early and ruthlessly capitalized on defensive transition moments. While Maccabi Tel Aviv controlled much of the possession and registered 86 dangerous attacks compared to CSKA’s 56, their lack of final-third precision left them exposed to CSKA Sofia’s lethal counter-attacks. Maccabi Tel Aviv has no choice but to ditch defensive caution and press high up the pitch from the opening whistle to chase three goals. This extreme posture plays perfectly into CSKA Sofia’s primary strength: rapid vertical transitions using the speed of Zwarts and Brahimi. Unless an early Israeli miracle occurs, CSKA’s current 9-match unbeaten streak across all competitions makes them heavy favorites to finish the job cleanly on their home turf.
CSKA Sofia:
Manager Hristo Yanev has his team firing on all cylinders. Following their European triumph, they dismantled PFC Septemvri Sofia 3-0 in their domestic league over the weekend. Forward Leandro “Santiago” Godoy is in spectacular form with consecutive goal-scoring performances. Expect Yanev to field an unchanged starting lineup to secure progress early.
Maccabi Tel Aviv:
Kenny Miller’s team faces a monumental uphill battle. They have shown they can score in bunches this summer—such as their 5-0 thrashing of FC Sheriff in the previous round—but they cannot afford any of the defensive lapses that doomed the first leg. Substitutes Tyrese Asante and Noam Ben Harush are pushing for starting spots to add stability.
CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv head to head matches
06.08.26 EL Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia 0:3
* Our advice is: OVER 2.5 GOALS
* Selection odd for this bet is: 2.05
* This analyis is from our perspective and we highly recommend to inform also yourself about all details that can be decisive in your choise to bet!
