CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction and Betting Tips – 13 August 2026
CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction – 13 August 2026
Introduction
CSKA Sofia return to Bulgaria with one of the strongest advantages anywhere in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round.
Hristo Yanev’s team lead 3-0 after an excellent first-leg performance against Maccabi Tel Aviv in Batumi. Max Ebong opened the scoring after nine minutes, Leandro Godoy doubled the advantage in the 30th and substitute Joël Zwarts added the third in the final minute. Maccabi applied much more pressure after half-time but failed to convert their opportunities.
The return match will be played at Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia on Thursday, 13 August 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 Bulgarian time.
The aggregate situation changes everything.
CSKA do not need to win on Thursday. They do not even need a draw. Any victory, draw or defeat by one or two goals sends the Bulgarian side into the Europa League play-off round. Maccabi need to win by exactly three goals to force extra time and by four or more to qualify inside 90 minutes.
That means Kenny Miller’s side cannot afford to spend another hour waiting for the game to develop.
Maccabi need goals, and they need them relatively early.
That should create a very different contest from the first leg. CSKA can defend with patience, allow Maccabi more possession and wait for the spaces that inevitably appear once the Israeli side commit additional players forward.
The hosts also enter the match in excellent form. CSKA have collected 10 points from their opening 12 available in the Bulgarian league and followed the first-leg victory by beating Septemvri Sofia 3-0 on Sunday.
Maccabi’s form before the defeat was strong as well. They eliminated Sheriff Tiraspol 6-0 on aggregate and had already beaten Hapoel Be’er Sheva 3-1 in the Israeli Super Cup.
Anyone comparing Europa League free picks today should therefore avoid treating the 3-0 first leg as proof that Maccabi are a weak opponent. The more useful question is how the aggregate score changes their behaviour.
My expectation is a much more open match, particularly after half-time.
CSKA should receive excellent counterattacking opportunities, while Maccabi are capable of creating considerably more than they did during the first 45 minutes in Batumi.
This preview was updated on 12 August 2026.
Summer Changes
CSKA Sofia
CSKA’s squad looks very different from the one that finished last season.
The midfield now contains an unusual amount of international experience for a Bulgarian club.
Former Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi has become part of Hristo Yanev’s central options, while Belarus international Max Ebong and captain Bruno Jordão provide physicality and running around him. Former Everton midfielder and defender Jean-Philippe Gbamin has also become an important part of the defensive structure.
Ebong has already shown his value in Europe.
His early goal against Maccabi completely changed the first leg. Instead of being able to dictate the pace as the nominal home side, Maccabi suddenly had to chase the game.
The attacking department also offers Yanev several different profiles.
Ioannis Pittas has already scored three times in CSKA’s Europa League campaign according to UEFA’s current squad statistics, while Leandro Godoy and Joël Zwarts give the coach two more experienced centre-forward options.
Godoy scored the second goal in Batumi.
Zwarts then came from the bench to score the third.
That competition for places is valuable in a second leg where CSKA may want a different type of striker depending on the score. Pittas can threaten space, Godoy can lead the line, and Zwarts has shown he can influence games after entering later. Sports Mole notes that the Dutch forward has scored in two of his last three appearances.
The only significant immediate concern is on the left side.
Angelo Martino was forced off during Sunday’s league win over Septemvri, making Andrey Yordanov the likely replacement if Martino is not ready.
CSKA are therefore not entering this match simply trying to protect a three-goal advantage with eleven defensive players.
They have enough quality to attack Maccabi whenever the opportunity appears.
Maccabi Tel Aviv
The biggest summer change for Maccabi came on the touchline.
Kenny Miller was appointed permanent head coach in June after joining the staff earlier in 2026 and later taking interim charge. Under Miller, Maccabi finished the previous campaign by winning the Israeli State Cup before beginning the new season with another trophy in the Super Cup.
The club have also brought back a familiar midfielder.
Dan Glazer returned in July after three seasons abroad. He signed a two-year contract with an additional option after spells with OFI Crete, Pari Nizhny Novgorod and Kairat Almaty. Glazer had previously made more than 200 appearances for Maccabi.
Ester Sokler was another July addition, strengthening an attacking group that already contains Saied Abu Farchi, Hélio Varela, Osher Davida and Ion Nicolaescu.
Nicolaescu, however, remains unavailable because of an ACL injury.
That leaves Abu Farchi as one of Miller’s most important attacking players for the second leg. Sports Mole reports that he has scored four times in his opening four competitive appearances of the campaign.
Captain Dor Peretz is another player CSKA cannot ignore.
Peretz signed a new contract during the summer and remains central to Maccabi’s leadership group. He also carries considerable European experience, with Sports Mole crediting him with 17 goals from 90 UEFA competition appearances.
Maccabi’s problem is therefore not an absence of attacking options.
It is the score they are chasing.
Even an excellent 2-0 victory in Sofia would eliminate them.
Team Form
CSKA Sofia Form
CSKA’s season has started remarkably well.
Their Europa League campaign began with a 5-3 aggregate victory over Derry City. UEFA confirms a 3-2 first-leg win in Sofia followed by a 2-1 victory in Ireland.
The second qualifying round was far more difficult.
CSKA faced Qarabağ and eventually progressed through a penalty shootout after a tense tie. That experience may prove useful because it showed Yanev’s squad can manage European matches where patience is more important than attacking continuously.
Then came Batumi.
The 3-0 victory over Maccabi was arguably CSKA’s most complete European performance of the summer.
They scored after nine minutes, doubled the lead before half-time and survived Maccabi’s improved second-half pressure before delivering the decisive third goal late on.
The momentum has continued domestically.
CSKA defeated Septemvri 3-0 on 9 August, taking their Bulgarian league tally to ten points from four matches. They remain unbeaten across all competitions this season.
There is another encouraging detail.
CSKA have scored six goals across their last two games without conceding.
That does not mean another clean sheet is guaranteed. Maccabi’s attacking approach on Thursday should be far more aggressive.
What it does show is that Yanev has found a useful balance between his experienced midfield and the players ahead of it.
The challenge now is mental.
A 3-0 lead can create the wrong type of confidence. If CSKA begin too passively and concede inside the first 15 minutes, an apparently finished tie could quickly become uncomfortable.
The hosts need to approach this as a new match rather than spending 90 minutes staring at the aggregate score.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Form
The first-leg result interrupted what had been an excellent start for Maccabi.
Kenny Miller’s team began competitive football by defeating Hapoel Be’er Sheva 3-1 in the Israeli Super Cup. Miller praised the character and attacking football his players showed while securing the trophy.
They then demolished Sheriff Tiraspol away.
Maccabi won 5-0 in Moldova before adding a 1-0 victory in the return, completing a 6-0 aggregate success without conceding.
That makes the 0-3 against CSKA look even more surprising.
Maccabi had entered the tie with three competitive victories, nine goals scored and no goals conceded in Europe.
The problem in Batumi was the first half.
CSKA were much sharper in the decisive areas and punished Maccabi before they could settle into the game. Miller’s side improved significantly after the break and created several opportunities, but by then they were already chasing a two-goal deficit. Zwarts’ late third made the return leg substantially more difficult.
Maccabi’s Israeli league season has not started yet.
Their first scheduled Premier League match is on 22 August, meaning European qualifiers and the Super Cup have provided their competitive football during the summer.
CSKA therefore have one obvious advantage: regular domestic match rhythm.
Maccabi’s advantage is different.
They have effectively had a full week to concentrate on finding a way back into this tie.
Tactical Analysis
How CSKA Sofia May Play
CSKA do not need to dominate possession.
In fact, trying to do so could play directly into Maccabi’s hands.
The aggregate score gives Yanev the luxury of allowing the visitors to move the ball through harmless areas before pressing once possession enters midfield.
A 3-5-2 or flexible 3-4-1-2 is likely.
Gbamin can anchor the central defence alongside Teodor Ivanov and Facundo Rodrigues, with Pastor and Yordanov covering the wide areas.
The midfield is where CSKA can control the match.
Jordão, Ebong and Sensi give the hosts a strong mixture of aggression, passing and experience.
Sensi does not need to play at a frantic tempo.
His job should be to make sure that whenever CSKA recover possession, the first pass is accurate enough to bypass Maccabi’s counter-press.
Ebong can then attack forward more aggressively.
That is exactly the type of movement that produced his goal in the opening leg.
Maccabi’s need for three goals also changes the striker role.
Godoy and Pittas may spend periods with very little possession, but they should receive space once the visitors’ full-backs start moving higher.
CSKA should not attack with five players every time they recover the ball.
They only need one or two well-executed counters.
A single home goal would leave Maccabi requiring four goals just to force extra time.
That is why the first counterattacking chance could become more important than ten minutes of possession.
How Maccabi Tel Aviv May Play
Maccabi have no choice but to increase the risk level.
A slow first half that finishes 0-0 would leave them needing three goals in 45 minutes simply to reach extra time.
Expect a more aggressive 4-3-3.
Roy Revivo should advance from left-back, with Tyrese Asante capable of providing similar support from the opposite side.
Issouf Sissokho and Ido Shahar need to move the ball forward quickly rather than recycling possession endlessly in front of CSKA’s midfield.
Dor Peretz should be given freedom to attack the box.
The captain has always been dangerous when arriving late from midfield, and Maccabi need an additional goalscoring presence close to Abu Farchi.
Hélio Varela is another crucial player.
His pace gives Maccabi the ability to isolate one of CSKA’s outside centre-backs and create situations without requiring long combinations.
The biggest tactical risk is obvious.
Every additional Maccabi player who attacks reduces the protection in front of their centre-backs.
If Revivo and Asante both move forward and Peretz also enters the box, Sissokho may become the only player protecting the middle.
That could leave Godoy or Pittas running directly at a defence with little protection.
Maccabi still have to accept that risk.
Protecting themselves from a fourth CSKA goal is secondary to scoring their first.
Key Players
Max Ebong – CSKA Sofia
Ebong changed the first match after only nine minutes.
His goal allowed CSKA to defend the game they wanted rather than chasing Maccabi around Batumi.
His importance goes beyond scoring.
Ebong covers ground quickly, presses second balls and can turn a defensive recovery into an attack without needing several passes.
That should make him particularly useful once Thursday’s game stretches.
Stefano Sensi – CSKA Sofia
Sensi brings a level of midfield experience rarely seen in Europa League qualifying.
The former Inter player should be able to recognise when CSKA need to increase the tempo and when they simply need to retain possession for 30 seconds and take the pressure out of the match.
His passing could become one of CSKA’s biggest weapons against Maccabi’s high press.
Bruno Jordão – CSKA Sofia
Jordão is expected to captain the hosts.
His role is less spectacular than that of the forwards, but his positioning will be vital whenever Peretz moves forward from midfield.
CSKA cannot allow Maccabi to create repeated overloads through the middle.
Leandro Godoy – CSKA Sofia
Godoy scored CSKA’s second goal in Batumi and should again be one of Yanev’s central attacking options.
Thursday’s match may suit him even better.
Maccabi cannot defend with the same level of caution, so Godoy should eventually find larger spaces behind their midfield.
Joël Zwarts – CSKA Sofia
Zwarts delivered the goal that transformed the tie from difficult to extremely favourable.
At 2-0, Maccabi still had a realistic route back.
His 90th-minute goal made their task enormous.
Sports Mole reports that Zwarts has scored in two of his last three appearances, making him an obvious second-half weapon if he does not start.
Saied Abu Farchi – Maccabi Tel Aviv
Abu Farchi is one of the players capable of giving Maccabi early hope.
With Nicolaescu injured, the young forward has taken on greater responsibility and has scored four times in four competitive matches this season.
Maccabi need him receiving much closer to the CSKA penalty area than he did during parts of the first leg.
Dor Peretz – Maccabi Tel Aviv
Peretz is the player Maccabi need to lead the comeback attempt.
The captain combines European experience with genuine scoring ability from midfield. He has 17 UEFA competition goals in 90 appearances.
His movement beyond Abu Farchi may be Maccabi’s most dangerous central route.
Roy Revivo – Maccabi Tel Aviv
Revivo should have licence to attack from left-back.
Maccabi need width, and his overlapping runs can force Pastor to defend closer to his own penalty area.
The downside is the space he leaves behind.
That battle could decide the match.
Issouf Sissokho – Maccabi Tel Aviv
Sissokho has to balance an almost impossible set of responsibilities.
He needs to move the ball forward quickly because Maccabi are chasing three goals, but he also cannot allow CSKA to counter through the middle every time possession is lost.
His decision-making will be critical.
Expected Lineups
The following teams are projections based on the latest squad information and current injury news.
CSKA Sofia Expected Lineup
Formation: 3-5-2
Fedor Lapoukhov;
Teodor Ivanov, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Facundo Rodrigues;
Pastor, Max Ebong, Bruno Jordão, Stefano Sensi, Andrey Yordanov;
Ioannis Pittas, Leandro Godoy.
Sports Mole lists this as CSKA’s likely starting structure, with Yordanov expected to replace the injured or doubtful Angelo Martino.
Alternative options: Joël Zwarts can replace either forward and has a strong case after his recent goals. Mohamed Brahimi and Petko Panayotov provide additional midfield choices. UEFA’s current European squad also includes James Eto’o, Isaac Solet and Alejandro Piedrahita.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Expected Lineup
Formation: 4-3-3
Ofek Melika;
Tyrese Asante, Raz Shlomo, Mohamed Ali Camara, Roy Revivo;
Itamar Noy, Issouf Sissokho, Ido Shahar;
Hélio Varela, Dor Peretz, Saied Abu Farchi.
This is also the latest projected XI from Sports Mole.
Alternative options: Dan Glazer can enter midfield if Miller wants more control. Ester Sokler gives Maccabi a more traditional striker, while Osher Davida and Sagiv Jehezkel offer other wide options.
Unavailable: Ion Nicolaescu remains sidelined with an ACL injury.
Head-to-Head
The first leg on 6 August was the first recent competitive meeting recorded between CSKA Sofia and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Maccabi Tel Aviv 0-3 CSKA Sofia – 6 August 2026
Goals:
- Max Ebong – 9′
- Leandro Godoy – 30′
- Joël Zwarts – 90′
The score was convincing, although the second-half performance gives Maccabi some encouragement.
The Israeli side increased their pressure and created several chances after the break but could not find a goal. CSKA then punished them at the other end with the late third.
That is probably the key lesson for the second leg.
Maccabi can create chances against this CSKA defence.
They cannot afford to waste them.
Betting Markets
Current comparison prices on 12 August make CSKA slight favourites to win the second leg:
- CSKA Sofia – 2.40
- Draw – 3.37
- Maccabi Tel Aviv – 3.14
- Both Teams to Score – Yes – 1.83
- Both Teams to Score – No – 1.96
CSKA Sofia to Win
A price of approximately 2.40 is interesting considering CSKA’s current form.
They won the first leg 3-0, followed that with another 3-0 victory domestically and remain unbeaten this season.
The major negative is motivation.
CSKA do not actually need to win.
If the score is 1-1 with 20 minutes remaining, Yanev has no reason to push five players forward searching for a second goal.
Verdict: Good value, but not as safe as the recent results make it appear.
CSKA Asian Handicap 0.0
This is effectively Draw No Bet.
If CSKA win, the bet wins. If the match finishes level, the stake is refunded.
From a Europa League handicap prediction perspective, this is more attractive than asking CSKA to cover -1 or -1.5 when they already hold a three-goal aggregate advantage.
The hosts can play patiently and attack the spaces Maccabi leave behind.
Verdict: Strong if available around 1.75 or higher.
Maccabi Tel Aviv to Win
Maccabi are available around 3.14.
That may look tempting because the visitors have to attack, but needing a victory does not automatically make that victory more probable.
The same urgency that encourages Maccabi forward also creates ideal counterattacking conditions for CSKA.
Verdict: Too risky as a primary selection.
Both Teams to Score – Yes
This is the market I prefer.
The current best quoted price is approximately 1.83.
Maccabi have no realistic choice but to attack.
They scored six goals against Sheriff in the previous round and produced several second-half opportunities against CSKA. The first-leg clean sheet therefore should not be treated as proof that Maccabi cannot score.
CSKA should also have opportunities.
Once Maccabi commit players forward, Pittas, Godoy, Ebong or Zwarts should find far more open grass than they would in a normal 0-0 second leg.
Verdict: Best overall market at 1.80 or higher.
Over 2.5 Goals
The match state strongly supports the over.
Maccabi need at least three goals merely to force extra time. That means even if CSKA score first, the visitors cannot respond by reducing the tempo.
A first-half goal could open the game completely.
Verdict: Strong secondary option if available at approximately 1.75 or higher.
CSKA to Score Over 1.5 Goals
CSKA have scored three goals in each of their last two matches and hit Maccabi three times in Batumi.
The second leg may actually create better chances because Maccabi are forced to play more aggressively.
The risk is that CSKA reach 1-0 and simply manage the remainder of the evening.
Verdict: Attractive only at 1.90 or higher.
Best Bet
Both Teams to Score – Yes
The preferred selection is:
Both Teams to Score – Yes @ 1.83
This is mainly a match-state bet.
Maccabi cannot travel to Sofia and play a normal European away game.
They are already three goals behind.
A 0-0 draw eliminates them. A 1-0 victory eliminates them. Even a 2-0 victory eliminates them.
That means Miller has to find a way of keeping more players close to the CSKA penalty area.
Maccabi certainly possess the attacking quality to score.
They defeated Sheriff 5-0 away in the previous round and then won the return 1-0. Abu Farchi has started the season strongly, Peretz provides a goalscoring threat from midfield and Varela can cause problems in transition.
The first leg also became significantly more balanced after half-time.
Maccabi increased their territorial pressure and created several opportunities, even though they failed to convert any of them.
At the other end, the visitors’ aggressive approach should give CSKA chances.
Yanev does not need his team to manufacture attacks against ten defenders.
He can wait.
Every time Maccabi lose possession with Revivo high, Peretz inside the box and the midfield pushed forward, CSKA have a potential transition.
That is why my Europa League handicap prediction remains favourable towards CSKA in the Asian markets, but BTTS offers a cleaner match-state position at the currently quoted 1.83.
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Current quoted odds: 1.83
Secondary Bet: CSKA AH 0.0 at 1.75 or higher
Score Prediction
CSKA Sofia 2-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv
I expect Maccabi to produce a much stronger opening than they did in Batumi.
They have no alternative.
Peretz should play higher, Revivo will push forward and Abu Farchi should spend more time close to the CSKA centre-backs.
The first 20 minutes may therefore be the most uncomfortable period for the hosts.
If CSKA survive it without conceding, the tie should become increasingly favourable to them.
Maccabi’s defensive spacing will grow as the game continues.
Sensi and Jordão can then find easier forward passes, while Ebong has the energy to attack spaces after turnovers.
Godoy or Pittas should receive at least one clear opportunity.
I expect Maccabi to score because their need to attack is enormous and their previous European results show they possess genuine offensive quality.
I also expect CSKA to punish the visitors’ risk-taking.
Correct Score Prediction: CSKA Sofia 2-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv
Alternative Prediction: CSKA Sofia 2-2 Maccabi Tel Aviv
Projected Aggregate Score: CSKA Sofia 5-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv
Qualification Prediction: CSKA Sofia
FAQ
When is CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv?
The second leg will be played on Thursday, 13 August 2026. UEFA scheduled the Europa League third qualifying round second legs for that date.
What time does the match start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00 Bulgarian time.
Where will CSKA vs Maccabi be played?
The game will take place at Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia.
What was the first-leg result?
CSKA Sofia won 3-0 in Batumi.
Who scored in the first leg?
Max Ebong scored in the ninth minute, Leandro Godoy made it 2-0 in the 30th and Joël Zwarts added the third in the 90th minute.
Why was the first match played in Batumi?
Maccabi’s European home fixture was staged in Batumi, Georgia, rather than Israel.
What do CSKA need to qualify?
CSKA qualify with any win, any draw or a defeat by no more than two goals.
What do Maccabi need?
Maccabi must win by exactly three goals to force extra time or by four or more to qualify during normal time.
How did CSKA reach this round?
CSKA defeated Derry City 5-3 on aggregate in the first qualifying round and then eliminated Qarabağ on penalties in the second round.
How did Maccabi reach this round?
Maccabi eliminated Sheriff Tiraspol 6-0 on aggregate, winning 5-0 away and 1-0 in the return.
Is Ion Nicolaescu available?
No. The Maccabi striker remains sidelined with an ACL injury.
Is Angelo Martino available for CSKA?
Martino limped out of Sunday’s league victory, so his availability is doubtful. Andrey Yordanov is the likely replacement if he cannot start.
What are the current 1X2 odds?
Current comparison prices are approximately 2.40 for CSKA, 3.37 for the draw and 3.14 for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
What is the best bet?
Both Teams to Score – Yes at approximately 1.83 is the preferred selection.
What is the predicted score?
The prediction is CSKA Sofia 2-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Who is predicted to qualify?
CSKA Sofia are expected to progress comfortably to the Europa League play-off round. The third qualifying round winners advance to the play-offs, while the defeated teams drop into the Conference League play-off round.
Conclusion
CSKA could hardly have asked for a better position before the second leg.
A 3-0 away victory means they can control the risk rather than chase the match.
The recent form also supports confidence.
Yanev’s team are unbeaten this season, have taken ten points from their opening four domestic matches and followed the victory in Batumi with another 3-0 win against Septemvri.
Maccabi still deserve more respect than the aggregate score suggests.
They had won every competitive match before facing CSKA, including a 6-0 aggregate demolition of Sheriff. Their second-half performance in Batumi was also substantially better than their first.
The difficulty is mathematics.
Maccabi cannot simply produce a good performance.
They need an extraordinary one.
Three unanswered goals only get them to extra time.
That pressure should make the second leg increasingly open as the minutes pass.
CSKA’s priority should be avoiding an early mistake. If the Bulgarian side reach the second half with their three-goal advantage intact, Maccabi will have to take progressively larger risks.
That is where Godoy, Pittas, Zwarts and Ebong can finish the tie.
For readers checking Europa League free picks today, I would avoid chasing a large CSKA handicap simply because of what happened in Batumi. The hosts have no need to win by two or three goals again.
The goals market fits the situation better.
Maccabi must attack.
CSKA have the counterattacking quality to respond.
My prediction is therefore another CSKA victory, but with both sides finding the net this time.
Final Prediction: CSKA Sofia to Win
Qualification Prediction: CSKA Sofia
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score – Yes @ 1.83
Secondary Bet: CSKA AH 0.0 at 1.75 or higher
Correct Score Prediction: CSKA Sofia 2-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv