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Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia: Control Meets Resistance in Crucial Europa League Qualifier. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Maccabi Tel Aviv have flawless winning form and demonstrated territorial control with 65% possession in their last European leg. Abu Farchi’s four goals in three games and Peretz’s attacking runs support their offensive edge, while CSKA’s ability to score in domestic matches suggests both teams will find the net.
A 3-1 scoreline balances Maccabi’s potent attack, including multi-goal performances and Peretz’s midfield runs, with CSKA’s set-piece threat and counter-attacking ability. Maccabi’s possession dominance combined with CSKA’s scoring in domestic play aligns with this plausible exact result.
Compare form, H2H, goals trends and key data for Maccabi Tel Aviv v CSKA Sofia.
Maccabi Tel Aviv and CSKA Sofia begin their Europa League third qualifying-round tie in Batumi on Thursday, with both clubs now only two stages away from the league phase.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia — bet365 Market Snapshot
Swipe through key markets with illustrative probabilities and sample bet365 odds based on our match analysis.
Maccabi’s recent wins contrast with CSKA’s mixed results, influencing expected match control.
CSKA Sofia hold the stronger winning edge, while Maccabi Tel Aviv still offer enough threat for BTTS.
Maccabi’s clean sheets outnumber CSKA’s, indicating defensive solidity versus vulnerability.
CSKA Sofia hold the stronger overall profile, leaving Maccabi Tel Aviv needing a sharper performance.
Three Punchy Stats
- Maccabi Tel Aviv have won all three of their competitive matches this season, scoring freely enough to eliminate Sheriff 6-0 on aggregate and defeat Hapoel Be’er Sheva 3-1 in the Super Cup.
- CSKA Sofia are unbeaten in six matches across all competitions, with four wins and two draws, while their domestic campaign has produced seven points from a possible nine.
- Abu Farchi has scored four goals in only three competitive appearances this term, giving Maccabi an in-form focal point against a CSKA side that did not register a shot on target in its decisive second-leg battle with Qarabag.
Attacking Efficiency Comparison
Maccabi’s consistent scoring contrasts with CSKA’s more variable goal output.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s scoring consistency makes them likelier to control the decisive moments against CSKA Sofia.
CSKA Sofia’s blunt recent output leaves Maccabi Tel Aviv with the stronger attacking edge.
Defensive Solidity Comparison
Maccabi’s defensive control could frustrate CSKA’s inconsistent attack.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defensive discipline could force CSKA Sofia into lower-quality chances.
CSKA Sofia’s lack of defensive control gives Maccabi Tel Aviv a clear route to chances.
This first-ever meeting brings together two unbeaten sides who reached this point in completely different ways. Maccabi swept aside Sheriff Tiraspol 6-0 on aggregate, while CSKA survived a draining, scoreless contest with Qarabag before advancing on penalties.
That contrast gives the first leg an intriguing tactical edge. Maccabi arrive with attacking confidence, a settled possession game and Abu Farchi in outstanding form. CSKA, meanwhile, have already shown that they can remain patient, absorb pressure and survive when a European tie becomes tense.
The neutral venue adds another layer. Maccabi cannot play on home soil because of UEFA sanctions, but they have already won competitive matches in Batumi this season. CSKA will therefore be facing a side familiar with the surroundings, even if the atmosphere cannot fully replicate a genuine home fixture.
Maccabi’s Greater Control Could Shape the Match
Maccabi’s second-leg victory over Sheriff offered a clear indication of how Kenny Miller wants his team to operate. They controlled 65% of possession and recorded three shots on target in a 1-0 win, completing a comprehensive 6-0 aggregate success.
The winning goal came through an own goal, but the wider performance was built around territorial control rather than frantic attacking. Maccabi were comfortable keeping the ball, moving Sheriff across the pitch and waiting for the pressure to tell.
That approach should again be central against CSKA. Miller’s likely midfield combination of Issouf Sissokho, Ido Shahar and Kristian Noy gives Maccabi several players capable of receiving possession in congested areas. Their task will not simply be to accumulate passes, but to move the ball quickly enough to prevent CSKA from settling into a compact defensive structure.
Patience will be important. CSKA have already negotiated 210 goalless minutes against Qarabag across two legs and extra time. They are unlikely to become uncomfortable merely because Maccabi dominate possession.
In fact, sterile control may suit the Bulgarian side perfectly. Maccabi must therefore turn possession into genuine penetration, particularly through the movement of Sagiv Yehezkel and Roy Revivo from the defensive line.
If those wide players advance, Maccabi can stretch CSKA’s shape and create more space for Dor Peretz and Farchi around the penalty area. The danger is obvious, though: pushing both sides of the defence forward could leave opportunities for CSKA to counter into the channels.
Farchi Carries the Main Attacking Threat
Ion Nicolaescu remains unavailable because of an ACL injury, placing greater responsibility on Farchi and captain Peretz in Maccabi’s attack.
Farchi has responded emphatically. After producing 10 goal involvements in Israel’s top flight last season, he has scored four times in three competitive appearances this term. That is not merely a productive start; it makes him the most obvious player for CSKA to smother.
His role should involve more than occupying a fixed position between the centre-backs. Maccabi may need him to drift across the front line, attack spaces around CSKA’s back five and combine with the supporting midfielders.
Peretz can also be crucial because his positioning may force difficult decisions. If he drops away from the defensive line, does a centre-back follow him and open a channel behind? If CSKA hold their shape, can he turn and feed Farchi closer to goal?
Those details could decide whether Maccabi’s possession becomes dangerous or merely decorative. Keeping the ball is lovely, but football does not award certificates for neat recycling. Eventually, someone has to make the run that causes panic.
CSKA Have Become Comfortable in Uncomfortable Matches
CSKA’s route into this round was less spectacular but arguably more revealing.
Their tie against Qarabag finished 0-0 on aggregate, even after extra time. In the second leg, CSKA had only 38% possession and failed to register a shot on target, yet they remained organised enough to reach penalties and progress.
That performance will divide opinion. One view is that CSKA showed resilience, concentration and emotional control. Another is that advancing without a shot on target is less a tactical masterpiece and more an escape act with the lights switched off.
Both interpretations contain some truth.
Hristo Yanev’s side cannot expect to survive every match without creating chances, but their defensive discipline is highly relevant against Maccabi. They know how to endure long periods without the ball, protect central areas and keep a tie alive.
Their probable five-man defence could make the pitch feel extremely narrow for Maccabi. Ivan Turitsov and Thibaut Vion—or the listed combination including Pastor and Leonardo Martino—will be expected to protect the outside channels, while central defenders such as Facundo Rodriguez and Jean-Philippe Gbamin guard the box.
Rodriguez also arrives after scoring the late winner in CSKA’s 2-1 league victory over Dunav Ruse. His goal underlined the value that defenders can provide from set pieces, an area Maccabi must treat seriously.
Midfield Could Become a Battle of Patience
Captain Bruno Jordao is expected to direct CSKA’s midfield, with James Eto’o and Stefano Sensi among the options around him.
Their defensive responsibility will be demanding. Maccabi are likely to create numerical overloads through central areas, particularly when Peretz moves deeper or one of the wide players steps inside.
CSKA must decide when to press and when to retreat. Press too early and Maccabi may play through the first line. Drop too deep and Farchi could receive the ball close to the penalty area, where his current form becomes far more dangerous.
Sensi’s presence would offer CSKA an experienced player capable of helping them retain possession under pressure. Eto’o could provide physical energy, while Jordao’s leadership will be vital if Maccabi establish a prolonged attacking rhythm.
The first goal, should it arrive, could radically alter the tactical picture. Maccabi leading would force CSKA to take greater risks than they did against Qarabag. CSKA scoring first would allow them to retreat into the type of compact, stubborn contest they appear to enjoy.
CSKA’s Striker Decision Matters
Joel Zwarts, Leandro Godoy and Ioannis Pittas are competing to lead CSKA’s attack.
Zwarts scored in the 2-1 win over Dunav Ruse, but Pittas offers notable European experience. The Cyprus international has scored seven goals in 34 European appearances, including three against Derry City in the first qualifying round.
Pittas may be particularly useful if CSKA expect to spend long periods defending. A striker in that situation must compete for direct passes, protect the ball and give the rest of the team time to advance. Without that outlet, every clearance simply becomes an invitation for Maccabi to attack again.
Godoy is also included in the possible starting side alongside Pittas, suggesting Yanev may use two forwards rather than leave one player isolated. That would give CSKA more threat on transitions, although it could also reduce their control in midfield.
CSKA scored five goals across two legs against Derry City but none across 210 minutes against Qarabag. Their attacking identity remains difficult to pin down, which may make them unpredictable rather than harmless.
A Tie Likely to Be Defined by Fine Margins
Maccabi enter the contest with the cleaner European performances and the more fluent attacking form. Their movement around Farchi, the influence of Peretz and their ability to control possession should allow them to spend significant time in CSKA’s half.
Yet this is unlikely to be comfortable. CSKA have already shown that they can make a European tie ugly, slow and emotionally exhausting. They may not care whether the football is beautiful. Beauty does not appear on the aggregate score.
Maccabi’s challenge is to remain calm without becoming predictable. They need width, sharp combinations and enough runners beyond the defensive line to unsettle a compact opponent.
CSKA’s challenge is the opposite. Their defensive discipline must be paired with greater attacking ambition. Surviving pressure is a strength, but offering no threat would allow Maccabi to commit more players forward with minimal fear.
The result may depend on which side imposes its preferred rhythm. Maccabi want control that develops into pressure. CSKA want patience that produces frustration. In a first leg where neither team will wish to lose control of the tie, one well-timed run, one set piece or one defensive lapse could carry enormous weight.
📊 Market Explainer
Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
Selection: Maccabi Tel Aviv to win and both teams to score. Both teams must score at least once during normal time. The match winner does not matter; the selection is settled only by whether each side finds the net.
Correct Score Market
Selection: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia 3-1. Predict the exact score at the end of 90 minutes plus stoppage time. Extra time and penalties do not count unless the bookmaker states otherwise.
🎯 Pick 1: Maccabi Tel Aviv to win and both teams to score @ 3/1
Maccabi Tel Aviv enter this Europa League third qualifying round first leg in Batumi carrying flawless winning form, having won all three competitive matches this season. Kenny Miller’s side demonstrated clear territorial control in their second-leg victory over Sheriff Tiraspol, holding 65% possession while completing a 6-0 aggregate triumph. Their central engine, driven by Issouf Sissokho, Ido Shahar, and Kristian Noy, controls match tempos effectively. Forward Abu Farchi leads the attack in exceptional form, delivering four goals in three competitive appearances, complemented by captain Dor Peretz moving into dangerous attacking spaces.
CSKA Sofia arrive unbeaten in six matches across all competitions, but their European performances highlight contrasting dynamics. Whilst Hristo Yanev’s team survived 210 goalless minutes against Qarabag before progressing on penalties, their domestic outings feature goalscoring capacity, including a 2-1 victory over Dunav Ruse where Joel Zwarts and Facundo Rodriguez scored. CSKA also recorded five goals across two legs against Derry City earlier in qualification. Ioannis Pittas provides European experience upfront, having scored seven times in 34 continental appearances.
Maccabi’s tactical setup relies on wide defenders Sagiv Yehezkel and Roy Revivo advancing upfield. While this territorial commitment creates sustained pressure, pushing defenders forward leaves space for CSKA to counter into wide channels. CSKA possess sufficient quality upfront to exploit transition moments, yet Maccabi’s overall offensive form gives them the upper hand to secure the victory.
🎯 Tactical Indicators
- Maccabi Tel Aviv have won all three competitive matches this season, including a 6-0 aggregate win over Sheriff Tiraspol.
- Abu Farchi has scored four goals in three competitive appearances for Maccabi Tel Aviv this term.
- CSKA Sofia scored five goals against Derry City and scored twice in their domestic victory against Dunav Ruse.
Risk Factor: CSKA Sofia maintained back-to-back clean sheets against Qarabag across 210 minutes, demonstrating strong defensive organisation that could restrict Maccabi's scoring output.
Key Tactical Mismatch
Abu Farchi has scored four goals in three competitive games, backed by a 6-0 aggregate win over Sheriff Tiraspol.
Zero shots on target and zero goals across 210 minutes against Qarabag, relying entirely on penalties to progress.
🎯 Pick 2: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia 3-1 @ 14/1
A 3-1 outcome reflects the balance between Maccabi Tel Aviv’s potent scoring run and CSKA Sofia’s ability to capitalise on set-piece restarts or counter-attacks. Maccabi have already demonstrated high-scoring capacity this term, defeating Hapoel Be’er Sheva 3-1 in the Super Cup alongside their multi-goal performances against Sheriff Tiraspol. The movement of Abu Farchi, combined with Dor Peretz’s runs from midfield, creates multiple avenues to breach CSKA’s expected five-man defensive line featuring Facundo Rodriguez and Jean-Philippe Gbamin.
CSKA Sofia bring consistent competitive resilience, remaining unbeaten through six matches in all competitions while earning seven points from nine domestically. Although they failed to register a shot on target during the second leg against Qarabag, Hristo Yanev’s team proved lethal against Derry City, scoring five goals across two legs. Furthermore, defender Facundo Rodriguez proved his aerial threat from restarts by scoring the winner against Dunav Ruse, giving CSKA a clear route to breach Maccabi’s defensive line.
Maccabi’s commitment to controlling possession (averaging 65% in their previous European leg) keeps pressure locked in the opposition half. However, as wide defenders Sagiv Yehezkel and Roy Revivo push forward, CSKA strikers Ioannis Pittas and Joel Zwarts gain space on transitions. Maccabi’s attacking firepower remains potent enough to score three times, while CSKA’s set-piece threat supports a single reply, aligning directly with a 3-1 scoreline.
Risk Factor: CSKA Sofia could adopt an ultra-defensive low block similar to their Qarabag fixture, reducing overall match goals and capping the scoreline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the "Maccabi Tel Aviv to win and both teams to score" market mean?
This market requires Maccabi Tel Aviv to win the match and CSKA Sofia to score at least one goal during regular time for the bet to win.
How does the Correct Score market work in European qualification matches?
The Correct Score market requires predicting the exact final scoreline at the end of regular time; only the precise score wins the wager.
Why is the match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and CSKA Sofia being played in Batumi?
Maccabi Tel Aviv play their home leg in Batumi due to UEFA sanctions preventing matches on home soil.
What is the significance of Abu Farchi's recent form for Maccabi Tel Aviv?
Abu Farchi has scored four goals in three competitive appearances this season, making him the focal point of Maccabi's attack.
How did CSKA Sofia qualify for this third qualifying round tie?
CSKA Sofia qualified by defeating Qarabag on penalties after a 0-0 aggregate draw and previously beat Derry City 5-2 on aggregate.
What happens if Maccabi Tel Aviv win 2-0 instead of 3-1?
If Maccabi win 2-0, bets on the 3-1 Correct Score and Both Teams To Score will lose; Match Result or Both Teams To Score NO bets would win.
How does a five-man defence impact CSKA Sofia's tactical approach?
CSKA's five-man defence narrows the pitch to protect central areas and absorb possession, relying on quick counters and set pieces.
What is the distinction between 90-minute betting and overall tie qualification?
90-minute betting applies only to the initial match duration, while overall tie qualification covers both legs and any extra time or penalties.
