Maccabi Tel Aviv produced an emphatic 3-1 victory at CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Europa League, taking a significant step toward the next round with a composed and clinical performance on foreign soil. The Israeli side controlled large spells of the contest, and while CSKA Sofia fought to the end, the visitors' quality in transition made the difference.

Match overview

The match began at a high tempo, with CSKA Sofia eager to impose themselves in front of their home supporters. However, it was Maccabi Tel Aviv who struck first, punishing a lapse in concentration inside the opening 20 minutes. The goal came from a swift move through the middle, with the forward finishing calmly after being slipped through on goal.

CSKA Sofia responded with increased urgency and levelled before halftime from a well-delivered set piece, flicked on at the near post and bundled over the line. Yet any hope of a sustained comeback was soon undone, as Maccabi Tel Aviv restored their advantage shortly after the interval with a low drive from the edge of the area after patient possession play.

Key moments

• Maccabi opener: A precise through ball split the CSKA defence, and the composed finish gave the visitors an early foothold.
• CSKA equaliser: A header from a corner levelled the score and briefly swung momentum toward the Bulgarian side.
• Maccabi's second: A well-worked short corner routine created space for a curling strike that found the bottom corner.
• Late third: In stoppage time, Maccabi sealed the result with a counter-attacking goal, catching CSKA committing bodies forward.

Tactical story

Maccabi Tel Aviv sat deep in a compact block when CSKA had possession, inviting pressure before exploding forward with pace. This approach allowed them to exploit the wide spaces behind CSKA's advanced full-backs, and it was from those areas that they created their most dangerous moments. CSKA, by contrast, relied heavily on crosses and set pieces, but struggled to find sustained rhythm against a disciplined defensive shape.

What it means

The three-goal aggregate swing puts Maccabi Tel Aviv in a commanding position heading into the second leg, while CSKA Sofia face a difficult uphill task on the road. For Maccabi, the result reinforces their credentials as a dangerous side in the competition, blending defensive resilience with sharp, efficient attacking football.