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CSKA Sofia host Pafos at the Vasil Levski National Stadium on Thursday for the first leg of their clash in the Europa Conference League second qualifying round. In just their second attempt at reaching a major club tournament, Sofia overcame Buducnost Podgorica in the last round to get here.
They won the first leg 1-0 at home but lost in the return by the same scoreline. The match went into extra time, where the Bulgarian outfit struck the equalizer to seal their progress on aggregate.
Valentin Iliev's side will now hope to reach the playoffs by taking a big lead in the first leg this week, having had a rest this weekend after their domestic clash against Septemvri was postponed.
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On the other hand, Pafos are playing in the European qualifiers for the first time. After losing out in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, the Cypriot outfit survived a scare in the third round of the Conference League to reach this stage.
A 2-1 loss in the first leg meant they needed a big result in the return to turn the tie around, and a big result is what they produced. Goals from Muamer Tankovic, Anderson and Vlad Dragomir ensured a 3-0 victory for Juan Carcedo's side which convincingly wiped out the first-leg deficit.
CSKA Sofia vs Pafos Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This is the first official clash between the sides in history.
- In four European qualifiers, Pafos have lost thrice and won just once: a 3-1 home win over Zalgiris in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa Conference League.
- In two European qualifiers they've played at home, CSKA Sofia have lost and won once each: a 1-0 defeat vs Romania's FCSB and a 1-0 win over Montenegro's Buducnost Podgorica.
- In four official games so far this season, CSKA Sofia have won just once and drawn the rest. They remain unbeaten.
CSKA Sofia vs Pafos Prediction
This is a clash of two European newbies with little experience, but they have certainly made a statement with their respective wins in the last round. We expect a close encounter between these sides, with the match eventually ending in a draw.
Prediction: CSKA Sofia 1-1 Pafos
CSKA Sofia vs Pafos Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Result: Draw
Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals
Tip 3 - Both teams to score: Yes
