CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction: Can the Visitors Fight Back? Odds 3.10.

CSKA Sofia vs Maccabi Tel Aviv Prediction

Match Overview

CSKA Sofia host Maccabi Tel Aviv at the National Stadium Vasil Levski on August 13, with one foot already in the Europa League playoff round. The Bulgarian side produced a stunning 3-0 victory in the first leg, putting enormous pressure on their Israeli opponents.

The first meeting was decided by goals from Max Ebong, Leandro Godoy and Joel Zwarts, with CSKA scoring after only nine minutes and controlling the tie from there. The result continued an impressive European run for Hristo Yanev’s team.

Maccabi now need at least three goals merely to force extra time. Their own club messaging acknowledges the size of the task, while coach Kenny Miller has stressed that the tie is difficult but not impossible.

Head-to-Head Record

The first leg was the first competitive meeting between the clubs in this qualifying tie, and CSKA immediately established a commanding advantage.

Head-to-head:
CSKA Sofia — 1 win.
Draws — 0.
Maccabi Tel Aviv — 0 wins.
Goals — CSKA Sofia 3-0 Maccabi Tel Aviv.

With such a small sample, the first-leg result is much more relevant than historical meetings.

Team News and Form

CSKA arrive in excellent condition. They have started the Bulgarian league campaign strongly, collecting 10 points from their opening 12 available, while Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Septemvri further boosted confidence. Their European qualifying run has also included victories over Derry City and Qarabag.

Captain Bruno Jordao should again anchor the midfield alongside Max Ebong and Stefano Sensi. Jean-Philippe Gbamin is expected to continue in defence. Angelo Martino’s injury means Andrey Yordanov could retain the left-back role.

Maccabi face the much tougher psychological situation. They have already demonstrated attacking quality in Europe, but the 3-0 defeat exposed defensive problems. Experienced striker Ion Nicolaescu remains sidelined with an ACL injury, while Abu Farchi is expected to lead the attack alongside captain Dor Peretz.

Maccabi’s squad includes players such as Roy Revivo, Mohamed Ali Camara, Issouf Sissokho, Ido Shahar, Dor Peretz and Helio Varela, giving Miller plenty of attacking options.

Predicted Lineups

CSKA Sofia — 3-5-2:
Lapoukhov; Ivanov, Gbamin, Rodriguez; Pastor, Ebong, Jordao, Sensi, Yordanov; Pittas, Godoy.

Maccabi Tel Aviv — 4-3-3:
Melika; Asante, Shlomo, Camara, Revivo; Noy, Sissokho, Shahar; Varela, Peretz, Farchi.

These are projected lineups rather than confirmed starting elevens.

xG and Tactical Outlook

My estimated xG projection is CSKA Sofia 1.45 – 1.55 Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Interestingly, Maccabi could actually generate more attacking pressure than CSKA despite being the weaker side in the tie. They have no reason to sit back and will probably attack from the opening whistle.

That should create space for CSKA’s counterattacks. With a three-goal cushion, the hosts can defend compactly and exploit the gaps behind Maccabi’s advancing full-backs.

The key moment could be the first goal. If CSKA score first, the tie is effectively finished. If Maccabi score early, however, the atmosphere could change dramatically.

Prediction and Betting Pick

Maccabi must take enormous risks, but CSKA have shown greater consistency throughout the qualifying campaign. The Bulgarian side also enter this match with excellent domestic momentum and significantly less pressure.

Main Prediction: CSKA Sofia to win — odds around 3.10.

Correct Score: CSKA Sofia 2-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Qualification Prediction: CSKA Sofia to advance, 5-1 on aggregate.

A secondary option is Both Teams to Score, because Maccabi’s desperation should produce chances, but their aggressive approach can leave considerable space for CSKA.

⚽ Final verdict: CSKA Sofia 2-1 Maccabi Tel Aviv — CSKA advance comfortably.