Qarabağ
CSKA Sofia
Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia Predictions, Picks & Odds – 23/07/2026
Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia – Best bets of the match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.50 | 4.20 | 5.75 | View Odds |
· Confidence Medium
Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia Preview
Qarabağ head into this Europa League second qualifying round first leg brimming with confidence after demolishing Vestri 6-0 on aggregate, keeping clean sheets across both legs. Coach Gurban Gurbanov's side have been ruthless in front of goal, averaging three goals per European match this campaign. Elvin Jafarguliyev has returned to the squad following transfer speculation, though midfielder Joni Montiel's absence from the previous round remains unexplained. The Bakı Olimpiya Stadionu faithful will expect another dominant home display.
CSKA Sofia return to European football after a two-year hiatus, having scraped past Derry City 5-3 on aggregate in a chaotic first qualifying round. Sporting director Boyko Velichkov was far from satisfied with the first-leg performance despite victory. Off-pitch issues compound their challenges: UEFA disciplinary proceedings loom after crowd disturbances in the second leg, while goalkeeper Fedor Lapoukhov and midfielder Max Ebong faced visa complications for the away fixture. Two consecutive wins offer some momentum, but the step up in quality is significant.
Qarabağ's home win at 1.50 forms the backbone of our recommended selection. The Azerbaijani side scored six goals and conceded none in the previous round, a ruthless display of dominance that underlines their European pedigree. Playing at the Bakı Olimpiya Stadionu, where they have built a formidable record in continental competition, gives Gurbanov's men a clear edge.
CSKA Sofia's 5-3 aggregate victory over Derry City revealed both their attacking threat and defensive fragility. Conceding three goals to an Irish side raises serious questions about their ability to contain a Qarabağ attack averaging three goals per European match this season. Visa issues that denied goalkeeper Fedor Lapoukhov and midfielder Max Ebong entry for the away leg add further uncertainty to their squad depth.
The disciplinary cloud hanging over CSKA Sofia following crowd disturbances in their previous qualifier could also weigh on the Bulgarian side's focus. Qarabağ, seasoned campaigners with Champions League group stage experience, are well equipped to exploit any fragility. A home win represents the strongest value in this fixture, backed by Qarabağ's superior recent European form and the comfort of their home ground.
Questo articolo è a scopo informativo e non costituisce una raccomandazione di gioco.
Trends to Know about Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia
- Qarabağ scored six, conceded zero against Vestri
- CSKA Sofia conceded three to Derry City
- CSKA Sofia face visa and disciplinary issues
Form & Statistics: Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia
Qarabağ
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
CSKA Sofia
Recent form
Season statistics (2)
Lineups: Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia
Qarabağ
Starters
- 1 Magomedaliyev
- 2 Dani Bolt
- 3 B. Hüseynov
- 4 Silva
- 5 Jafarguliyev
- 6 Janković
- 7 Pedro Bicalho
- 8 Mouaddib
- 9 Kashchuk
- 10 Sawo
- 11 Zoubir
Absent
- Camilo Duran (Transfer to Celtic (left training camp))
CSKA Sofia
Starters
- 1 Evtimov
- 2 Ivanov
- 3 Pastor
- 4 Rodriguez
- 5 Martino
- 6 Sensi
- 7 Jordão
- 8 Godoy
- 9 Panayotov
- 10 Brahimi
- 11 Pittas
Absent
- Isaac Solet (Cruciate ligament injury (long-term, reported Nov 2024))
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculated tag here, drawn from recent match reports rather than confirmed team sheets, so treat the shape of things as indicative rather than definitive. That said, a 4-3-3 versus 4-2-3-1 contest frames a classic width-versus-compactness tactical battle in Baku.
Qarabağ's Zoubir on the flank will be a key creative outlet against a CSKA Sofia midfield anchored by Sensi and Jordão, whose double-pivot is designed to screen the back four and limit the space Kashchuk and Sawo will look to exploit in behind.
How to Watch Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia Match?
What time is Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia?
Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia kicks off on 23 July 2026 at 01:00 BST at the Bakı Olimpiya Stadionu.
Where is Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia being played?
This match takes place at the Bakı Olimpiya Stadionu in Baku, Azerbaijan.
How Can I Watch Qarabağ vs CSKA Sofia on TV and Live Stream?
Fans in India can watch this fixture via Sony Sports Network or stream it on JioTV.