CSKA Sofia Takes Early 2-0 Lead Over Maccabi Tel Aviv in Europa League Qualifier
Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered an early setback in their Europa League qualifying match against CSKA Sofia on August 6, 2026, falling behind 2-0 in Bulgaria. The match, held in Batumi without spectators, saw CSKA Sofia dominate with precise passing and aggressive attacking play. Local Bulgarian media praised CSKA's hunger and ability to repeatedly break through Maccabi's defense, highlighting that Maccabi failed to stop their counterattacks.
Reports noted that Maccabi Tel Aviv struggled to respond, with both goals resulting from simple set-piece plays that exploited defensive lapses. The second goal came from a corner kick finished by Santiago Godoy, who was left unmarked outside the penalty area. Fans expressed frustration over Maccabi's repeated defensive mistakes, emphasizing the ease with which CSKA Sofia scored.
Maccabi Tel Aviv had hoped to advance to the Europa League group stage but now faces a challenging task to overturn the deficit in the return leg. The match's outcome has raised concerns about Maccabi's defensive organization and readiness for European competition this season.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
