- Recent form: CSKA Sofia are on a four-match winning streak, which included a 3-0 defeat of Maccabi Tel-Aviv in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026.
- Opposition form: Maccabi Tel-Aviv are in mixed form, posting 5 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats in their last 10 all-competition games, though they're a dangerous team.
Tight match expected at Vasil Levski
PFC CSKA Sofia arrive at Vasil Levski in Bulgaria on Thursday ready for a potentially close match against Maccabi Tel-Aviv as these two teams meet on a level playing field with qualification hanging over every duel.
CSKA have been in good form since Hristo Yanev took over as manager on 24 September 2025, looking well drilled, compact, organised and ruthless in transition. Sofia have won seven, drawn two and lost one of their last ten all-competition matches, conceding 15 goals at an average of 1.50 per match.
Maccabi have been more unpredictable since Kenny Miller took over on 1 July 2026, favouring a more higher tempo, wide-heavy approach with energy and combination play at its core. Tel-Aviv have won five, drawn two and lost three of their last 10 all-competition fixtures, scoring an average of 2.00 goals and conceding 1.40 per match.
Sofia are the likelier winner
Odds and advantage
CSKA are the rightful favorites here and the 2.0 odds are probably about right, with the draw coming in at 3.1 and Maccabi at 4.05.
CSKA are fresh from a four-match win streak and have the psychological advantage after a resounding 3-0 win in the last head-to-head in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026.
Goalscoring form
- Ioannis Pittas has three goals in five matches in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026, Joel Zwarts has scored four in the same number of games and CSKA have hit eight in their recent five-match winning run.
- The Israeli side are dangerous, however, with Sayed Abu Farkhi their sharpest weapon and he's scored two goals in three matches in UEFA Europa League Qualification 2026, plus four in their last five-game streak.
Compete on the wings and set-piece play could be key
CSKA's compact mid-block and vertical counters are a nasty matchup for Maccabi's tempo-first game, particularly as they need to have the ball to play in their tempo and will have to be careful not to lose it cheaply in midfield or in transition. Maccabi's wide-forward pattern and set-piece threat could stretch the side, however, but they will need more control to avoid a repeat of the 3-0 defeat they suffered against CSKA.
Under 2.5 goals at 1.75 and Both Teams to Score No at 1.93 look solid bets in this encounter, which has the feeling of a controlled, cagey European match.
