Maccabi Tel Aviv Faces Uphill Battle in Europa League Return Leg Against CSKA Sofia

Maccabi Tel Aviv traveled to Bulgaria on Thursday to face CSKA Sofia in the second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round, trailing 3-0 from the first match. The Israeli club needs to win by a three-goal margin just to force extra time, with any other result sending them to the Conference League playoffs. Coach Kenny Miller made five changes to the starting lineup, including Tyrese Asante at right back and Roy Revivo returning to left back, while striker Astr Sukhler replaced Said Abu Farhi. Midfielder Dan Glazer also started instead of Issof Sisoko.

CSKA Sofia, hosting with their season-high attendance, made one change due to injury, with Andrey Yordanov replacing Angelo Martino at left back. Leading up to the match, Maccabi focused on boosting team confidence, improving finishing after missed chances in the first leg, and reducing errors that allowed Bulgarian counterattacks. The team hopes to translate these preparations into a historic comeback on the pitch.

The starting lineups were: CSKA Sofia with Fedor Palchukov, Pastor, Facundo Rodriguez, Teodor Ivanov, Andrey Yordanov, Jean-Philippe Gbaman, Bruno Jordao, Stefano Sensi, Max Avong, Ioannis Pitas, and Leandro Godoy; Maccabi Tel Aviv with Ofek Malika, Tyrese Asante, Raz Shlomo, Mohamed Ali Kamara, Roy Revivo, Dan Glazer, Ido Shahar, Dor Peretz, Helio Varela, Osher Davida, and Astr Sukhler.