Maccabi Tel Aviv Defeat CSKA Sofia 3–1 in Europa League Qualifier

Maccabi Tel Aviv Beat CSKA Sofia 3-1 in Sofia

Maccabi Tel Aviv secured a 3–1 victory over CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round at Vasil Levski National Stadium on Thursday, August 13, 2026. D. Peretz and E. Sokler gave the visitors control before S. Sensi briefly reduced the deficit, with an own goal from F. Lapoukhov restoring Maccabi’s two-goal advantage.

Peretz Gives Maccabi Early Advantage

Maccabi Tel Aviv took the lead in the 12th minute when D. Peretz converted an opportunity created by O. Davida. The early goal gave the visitors a platform and forced CSKA Sofia to respond while protecting their unbeaten recent sequence of four wins and one draw.

The first half remained 1–0 to Maccabi, despite both teams receiving yellow cards. B. Jordao was booked for CSKA Sofia in the 26th minute, while Peretz was cautioned five minutes later, but neither incident changed the visitors’ advantage before the interval.

Three Goals Transform the Second Half

The match opened up after half-time, with three goals arriving in an important eight-minute spell. Maccabi doubled their lead in the 61st minute as E. Sokler scored from another O. Davida assist, putting the visitors in a commanding position.

CSKA Sofia responded quickly through S. Sensi, who scored in the 66th minute after being set up by J. Eto’o. Sensi had been booked in the 56th minute, but his goal gave the home side renewed momentum before Maccabi restored their two-goal cushion three minutes later through F. Lapoukhov’s own goal.

Davida Drives the Visitors’ Attack

Davida was the most influential named attacking player in the match events, providing the assists for both of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s first two goals. His contribution was central to the visitors’ efficient start and their ability to build a decisive lead.

Peretz’s opener and Sokler’s second goal came from moves supplied by Davida, giving Maccabi a clear attacking pattern in the decisive moments. Although CSKA Sofia responded through Sensi, Davida’s earlier work had already placed the visitors in control of the contest.

Maccabi Secure Qualifying Victory

Maccabi Tel Aviv managed the closing stages with a 3–1 lead and completed an away win in Sofia. The result improved their listed recent sequence to three wins from four matches, while CSKA Sofia’s run of four victories and one draw was halted.

The final stages included further cautions for I. Sissokho and E. Madmon of Maccabi, followed by a booking for CSKA Sofia’s M. Ebong in the 88th minute. No current standings data was available for either club, so the result’s effect on league positions cannot be established, but Maccabi finished the qualifying-round match as clear winners.