CSKA Sofia Confident Ahead of Europa League Clash With Maccabi Tel Aviv

CSKA Sofia winger Mohamed Brahimi expressed strong confidence ahead of his team's Europa League third qualifying round match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, scheduled for Thursday in Batumi, Georgia. Brahimi emphasized that the Bulgarian club is focused solely on their own performance and is not intimidated by the Israeli side. "We have nothing to fear. We are CSKA Sofia, and it doesn't really matter who we face," he said firmly. "We must do everything we can to win. Every team in this European competition is strong, but our clear goal is to advance. The most important thing is how we perform on the pitch - everything depends solely on us."

When asked about differences between previous opponents in the qualifiers, Brahimi declined to analyze Maccabi Tel Aviv specifically, stating, "There is a difference between playing Derry City and Qarabag, but I don't want to talk about the opponent. Our focus remains on our own game."

Due to security concerns, the match will be held behind closed doors in Georgia without spectators. Brahimi acknowledged the lack of fans but dismissed it as an excuse, saying, "Whether we play in front of full stands or no fans, it doesn't change our objective. It's true that playing without fans is much more boring, but this is UEFA's decision and we adapt accordingly."