CSKA Sofia vs Qarabag FK prediction 30.07.2026 | Europa League

CSKA Sofia comes into this match fresh off a wild 3-2 win over Botev Plovdiv in the Bulgarian First League. The Army Men really woke up their attack in that game, shaking off a streak of dull, scoreless draws.

Now, Hristo Yanev and his squad are on a roll as they haven’t lost in five straight matches, whether it’s the league or the Europa League qualifiers.

They’ve been tough to faze at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, too. Five matches there without a loss, including three wins and two draws, and they keep making it hard for teams to grab a result on their turf.

Joël Zwarts is the man to watch right now. After his two big goals in the league, he’s leading the charge up front. Yanev might tweak his tactics to keep up with a fast opponent, but honestly, that’s a nice problem to have when your entire squad is fit and ready. Not a single injury concern for this one.

Qarabag enters this one on the back of a competitive 0-0 draw against CSKA Sofia in the first leg of their European tie. The Horsemen are currently enjoying an impressive unbeaten run in official matches this season, having completely brushed aside Icelandic opponents Vestri with dominant 3-0 victories both home and away in the previous qualifying round.

Gurban Gurbanov’s men have translated this continental form onto their travels, losing only one of their last five away competitive games while scoring three or more goals in three of them.

Main man Kady Borges is in form after netting a brace against Sumqayıt last weekend. The 30-year-old is expected to lead the line alongside Zakaria Sawo and Abdellah Zoubir, who have combined for three goals in Europe this season.

Like their hosts, boss Gurban benefits from a fully fit squad and could retain the side that started the first leg less than a week ago.