- Match result: CSKA Sofia and FK Qarabag drew 0-0 at Qarabag's ground in the UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 playoff matchup.
- Coaches: CSKA Sofia and FK Qarabag have two of the most experienced coaches in this qualification round. Both are likely to try to play to the crowd on Thursday.
- Defense note: CSKA Sofia have conceded twice in one home game this season.
First leg is already a chess match
Context:
Azerbaijani FK Qarabag come into their UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 second-leg matchup against CSKA Sofia as favorites but it is looking like a tough game after they were held to a 0-0 draw at home in the previous match.
Form:
Qarabag are in great form, with 7 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat from their last 10 matches in all competitions, but CSKA Sofia's record of 5 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats in that period isn't bad either.
Tactics:
While Qarabag will look to apply organized pressing, CSKA are happy to maintain a compact, shape-shifting approach. It is already looking like a chess game between two of the most experienced managers in this part of the qualification round and this second-leg matchup could be just as cagey as the first.
Qurbanov is a master of Qarabag
Long-term leadership:
Qurban Qurbanov has been at the helm of FK Qarabag since 1 July 2008 and the team he has crafted is a well-drilled one that is built for the long haul.
Style and lineup:
They will not be caught out on the counter-attack as the visitors are capable of stretching teams with their use of width and No 10, and their ability to transition from defence to attack in an instant.
Qurbanov's side will most often line up in a 4-2-3-1, but can adapt to a 4-3-3 if needed. Zakaria Sawo is their sharpest edge, with 2 goals in 3 UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 matches so far.
CSKA Sofia are a different sort of beast
Ioannis Pittas is CSKA Sofia's main man, with 3 goals in 3 UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026 games to date and 3 of the team's last 4 goals.
Hristo Yanev, who became manager on 24 September 2025, has made CSKA Sofia a more flexible team than they were before, as they can switch between back-three and back-four looks to suit the opponent. They are likely to go with a back four in this matchup and try to get men on the wing in behind Qarabag's midfield. CSKA are yet to lose at home in all competitions (W1), but they conceded 2 goals in their only home game so far.
- The market prices look a little skewed towards the visitors here, with Qarabag available at 2.26, CSKA Sofia at 3.07 and the draw at 3.3.
- Qarabag have a good away record of 4,1,1 in 6 games in all competitions so will be a tough nut to crack, but we'll take the draw and a low-scoring affair here.
- Under 2.5 goals is available at 1.7 and Both Teams to Score – NO at 1.87 and they both fit the vibe we expect on Thursday.
