Maccabi Tel Aviv Criticized for Defensive Struggles in Europa League Qualifier Loss to CSKA Sofia

On August 6, 2026, Maccabi Tel Aviv suffered a 2-0 deficit against CSKA Sofia in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. The match, held in the evening, saw Maccabi concede two goals before halftime, drawing sharp criticism from fans and commentators online. This came after the team had previously advanced comfortably past Sheriff Tiraspol in the earlier round.

Supporters expressed frustration over the team's defensive performance, describing it as the worst under coach Kenny Miller. Many pointed out the heavy reliance on player Roi Revivo, who is reportedly seeking a transfer to Elche, calling this dependence embarrassing. Criticism also targeted the defensive lineup, with some comparing it unfavorably to lower-tier teams and questioning the choice of defenders and wing players for such a crucial European fixture.

The social media reaction included calls for a response from coach Miller and doubts about the squad's ability to compete without Revivo. Fans lamented the team's apparent lack of depth and strategic planning, fearing that without key players, Maccabi might only qualify for the lower playoff bracket. The match outcome and defensive lapses have raised concerns about the club's prospects in the Europa League campaign moving forward.