Maccabi Tel Aviv Draws OFI Crete in Europa League Playoff If They Beat CSKA Sofia
Maccabi Tel Aviv received a relatively favorable draw on Monday for the Europa League playoff round. Should they overcome CSKA Sofia, the Israeli champions will face Greek side OFI Crete for a spot in the Europa League group stage. OFI Crete won the Greek Cup last season and finished seventh in their domestic league, making them one of the more manageable opponents in the draw, which also included tougher teams like Dinamo Zagreb, Aarhus, and Thun.
To reach the tie against OFI Crete, Maccabi must first complete their task against CSKA Sofia, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday at 19:00. A victory over Sofia will secure Maccabi a place in the Europa Conference League. The Europa League playoff first leg will take place on August 20, with the second leg a week later on August 27. The winner on aggregate will advance to the group stage.
If Maccabi Tel Aviv is eliminated by CSKA Sofia, they will drop down to the Conference League playoff round. Other potential opponents in that round include winners of Braga vs. Dinamo Minsk, Dinamo Kyiv vs. Qarabag, Partizan Belgrade vs. Tobol, and Lugano vs. Runavik. The Conference League playoff matches will also be held on August 20 and 27.
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