UEFA Europa League third qualifying round: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia, match preview and prediction, August 6
On Thursday, August 6, the opening whistle will sound at the neutral Batumi Arena in Georgia for the first leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv faces off against Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia. Due to current restrictions, the nominal hosts from Israel are forced to play their 'home' fixture outside their country. Both teams have fought their way through grueling qualifying battles and are ready to give their all for a coveted playoff spot.
Maccabi Tel Aviv come into the first leg in excellent form after a dazzling performance in the previous qualifying stage. In the Europa League second qualifying round, the Israeli side left no chance for Moldovan club Sheriff. Maccabi stormed to a crushing 5-0 win in the first away leg in Tiraspol, then sealed their progress with a 1-0 victory in the return match at Batumi Arena. Scoring six unanswered goals over two games, Maccabi showcased both attacking flair and defensive solidity.
Bulgarian outfit CSKA Sofia reached the third round of European competition by showing maximum grit and character. In the second qualifying round, the Sofia club battled dangerous Azerbaijani side Qarabag in what turned into a true tactical war. Both legs—home and away—ended in goalless draws, 0-0. The fate of the tie was decided in a dramatic penalty shootout in Sofia, where CSKA players held their nerve and their goalkeeper made crucial saves to secure a 5-4 win. This triumph highlighted the resilience and defensive commitment of the Bulgarian side.
The tactical setup on neutral ground in Batumi will be shaped by the styles of both teams: Maccabi Tel Aviv will look to dominate possession and unsettle the opposition’s defensive lines through active wing play, while CSKA Sofia are likely to set up a compact, layered defense and rely on counterattacks and set pieces. The Israeli club boasts more individual quality up front, but breaking down CSKA’s organized backline will be no easy task.
Prediction
The hosts marched through the previous round with confidence, and there’s every reason to believe that momentum will continue. My prediction: Maccabi to win at 2.
