Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 29, 2026
In the final round of the UEFA Europa League group stage, Maccabi will take on Bologna. The match will be held in Serbia on Thursday, January 29. Kickoff is scheduled for 21:00 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the winner of this clash.
Match preview
Maccabi Tel Aviv heads into the last round of the Europa League in inconsistent form. Over their last five matches, the team has claimed three wins and suffered two defeats, showing plenty of attacking flair but often leaving gaps at the back.
Home fixtures for the Israelis have been wide open, averaging around two goals scored per game. The team continues to rely on rapid wing play and aggressive pressing high up the pitch, but they struggle when facing top-tier opponents.
Securing a third consecutive league title now seems out of reach. Maccabi currently sits third in the Israeli Super League, trailing leaders Beitar by ten points.
The Europa League campaign has been even more disappointing. Maccabi failed to handle the pressure and lost all hope of advancing long ago. After seven matches, they have just one draw and sit bottom of the group standings.
Italian side Bologna is playing an uncharacteristically dynamic brand of football for most Serie A clubs in the 2025/26 season: solid defense, possession-based play, and rapid attacking transitions. This mix often leads to open games with plenty of goals at both ends.
Vincenzo Italiano’s men have set their sights on European qualification, but currently sit eighth in Serie A, well adrift of the top six. In their previous match against Genoa, Bologna suffered a defeat after leading by two goals, with goalkeeper Skorupski’s red card proving decisive.
The team is focused on positional play and making the most of set pieces. The forwards receive strong support from the midfield, allowing them to create chances and maintain control. Bologna displays disciplined football, which is crucial against attack-minded opponents.
Heading into the final round of the Europa League, Bologna’s aim is to consolidate a place around tenth in the overall table. They’ve already secured a playoff berth, but a top-eight finish looks virtually out of reach.
Match facts
- The Israelis have lost three matches in a row.
- Bologna are winless in their last three fixtures.
- Maccabi averages 1.3 goals per home game, while Bologna averages 1.4 goals per away match.
Probable lineups
- Maccabi Tel Aviv: Mishpati, Ben Hamo, Heitor, Shlomo, Revivo, Lederman, Ben Harush, Peretz, Varela, Shahar, Malede.
- Bologna: Skorupski, Dzorhtea, Casale, Lykogiannis, Miranda, Moro, Pobega, Odgaard, Rowe, Orsolini, Dallinga.
H2H
The two sides have never met before.
Prediction
The Italian club looks like the clear favorite against an opponent that has lost its motivation. A Bologna victory would give them a chance to face a weaker opponent in the round of 32, and with a bit of luck, could even send them straight to the round of 16. My pick — an away win for Bologna.
