CSKA Sofia secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League at the Tel Aviv stadium on Wednesday evening. The Bulgarian side controlled proceedings from the opening exchanges and never looked in danger of losing their lead.
M. Ebong gave the visitors the perfect start with a ninth-minute opener, capitalising on early pressure from the away side. L. Godoy doubled the advantage before the interval, slotting home in the 29th minute to put CSKA Sofia firmly in control of the tie.
Maccabi created more chances but struggled to find the net, managing only three shots on target compared to seven for their opponents. Their 55 per cent possession meant they pinned the visitors back at times, but one mistake ends it when you are defending a lead, and the hosts could not take advantage of their territorial dominance.
The game opened up after the break with several substitutions made by both managers. S. Rosen came on for Maccabi in the 46th minute, while CSKA Sofia brought on B. Jordao at the same stage. The visitors added a third goal through J. Zwarts in stoppage time, though the exact circumstances of that strike remain unclear.
Maccabi's frustration showed in the disciplinary record, with three yellow cards for their players including late bookings for J. Zwarts and R. Shlomo on the 85th minute. CSKA Sofia were more measured, picking up just one card through I. Pittas in the 54th minute.
The statistics tell the story of a match where the better team won, though not without some uncertainty around the final goal. Maccabi registered 113 attacks against 99 for CSKA Sofia, but the Bulgarian side converted their chances with greater efficiency.
CSKA Sofia will now travel to the second leg with a commanding advantage, having taken three points from a match where they showed composure and clinical finishing. Maccabi Tel Aviv will need to find answers quickly if they hope to progress in this competition.