UEFA Europa League 3rd Qualifying Round

Maccabi Tel Aviv 0 - 3 FT CSKA Sofia

Item: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs CSKA Sofia
Rating: 48
Author: Futmetrix

Batumi Arena

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict

Thu, Aug 6

Maccabi Tel Aviv

0-3

CSKA Sofia

⚡ Intensity 47

⚖️ Balance 20

🏆 Stakes 40

🎲 Upset 60

CSKA Sofia stuns Maccabi in Batumi.

CSKA Sofia Execute Perfect Away Game to Dismantle Maccabi

Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 48/100. A staggering upset in the Europa League qualifiers saw CSKA Sofia ruthlessly dismantle Maccabi Tel Aviv far from home.

Early Shockwaves

Batumi Arena witnessed a rapid shift in European aspirations right from the opening whistle. The Stakes were immense for this 3rd Qualifying Round clash, but it was CSKA Sofia who immediately looked at home. M. Ebong set the tone, silencing the nominal hosts with a clinical finish in the ninth minute to draw first blood. Maccabi Tel Aviv attempted to settle the tempo, but their lack of penetration proved fatal against a well-drilled Bulgarian outfit. The Intensity was palpable as the visitors swarmed every loose ball, refusing to let the Israeli side build any meaningful rhythm.

The Clinical Pivot

While the hosts scrambled to regroup and find an equalizer, L. Godoy turned from provider to executioner. Just before the half-hour mark, Godoy doubled the advantage after linking up brilliantly with I. Pittas. This 29th-minute strike effectively killed the competitive spirit of the tie. Maccabi managed to register a mere two shots on target throughout the entire contest, finding themselves completely suffocated by the away side's disciplined defensive shape. The monumental Upset Factor became a stark reality as the underdog tore up the pre-match script with a devastating display of transition football.

A Decisive Resolution

The second half saw Maccabi chase shadows while CSKA managed the game with supreme professionalism. The visitors edged possession with 51%, keeping the ball away from danger zones and frustrating their opponents at every turn. In the dying moments, J. Zwarts applied the final gloss to the scoreline with a 90th-minute strike, assisted by Pastor. This comprehensive 3-0 victory completely resets the narrative for the return leg. A high level of tactical Balance means the Bulgarian side now has one foot firmly planted in the next phase of European qualifying.

Key Questions

Who scored the opening goal?

M. Ebong opened the scoring for CSKA Sofia with an early strike in the 9th minute.

Where was the match played?

The match took place at Batumi Arena.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.