Predicition: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs FCSB

Verdict: Both teams score

Best odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Following a first battle in Bucharest that left unresolved the progress in the next phase of the Champions League qualifiers, Romanian champions FCSB will cross the border to settle the tie with  Maccabi Tel Aviv. The game will be played at the neutral ground in Budapest at Bozsik Arena where the Romanian fans are expected to fill most of the 8500 seats. 

Maccabi Tel Aviv

A regular presence in the European Competitions since 1992, Maccabi Tel Aviv is keen to match their best Champions League presence when they reach the group stage on two occasions. Despite hitting their peak at the European level, the Tel Aviv side failed to make a statement against Europe’s best.

Recording four points from 12 games displays a significant gap the Israeli champions need to close in the best club football competition. Still, defeating Ajax and snatching a point against Juventus at Ramat Gan Stadium nearly a decade ago, is a feat the visitors aim to replicate this time.

Freshly crowned champions of Israel two months ago following a battle against rivals Maccabi Haifa, Robbie Keane’s team dominated Ligat ha’Al ending their campaign with an 11-point advantage in front of their rivals. This impressive output led to 12 undefeated games across all competitions (including friendlies) making the Tel Aviv side difficult to play against.

While the current pre-season preparation in Poland was going according to plan with two wins and a stalemate, Maccabi Tel Aviv impressed by scoring seven goals and keeping a clean sheet in these games. Following this excellent series, Robbie Keane’s team travelled to Bucharest full of confidence displayed on the pitch, returning with a draw that left the qualification up for grabs.

Team News

Despite having five players participating in the Olympic games, Robbie Keane successfully addressed his squad’s shortcomings in the first leg. However, the former Tottenham legend is expected to use the same approach from the first leg when he set up his formation into a 5-3-2 system with solid defending and quick progression on the break. Midfielder Dan Biton might get a start this time after coming from the bench and scoring the equalizer in Bucharest.

FCSB

FCSB failed to take advantage in the first game played in front of their fans and kept their rivals in the tie after missing many chances to score the second goal. The Bucharest side had problems during the summer after selling their most valuable asset, winger Florinel Coman and other key figures returning late to the squad following the Euro 2024.

Although the current Romania champions regained supremacy domestically by winning the title following a seven-year drought, the ultimate goal is to reach the Champions League group stage, a feat last achieved 11 years ago. Returning to the qualification phase of the biggest stage in club football, FCSB warmed up with Virtus in the first qualification round. Following a 7-1 win in San Marino, the Bucharest side progressed to the next round with another dominant home display (4-0) making FCSB the favourite team against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

While the focus on reaching the Champions League group stage is obvious, the cost of neglecting the domestic games sent the Liga 1 champions to the bottom half of the table with two points after three rounds. Despite facing accessible opponents, FCSB was forced to settle for a draw against U Cluj (1-1) and Slobozia (2-2) in the opening two Liga 1 rounds.

With an eye on the return game in Budapesta against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Elias Charalambous’s team suffered a shock home defeat to Otelul Galati. Although some players were rested for the midweek Champions League clash, losing 2-0 to Otelul could lower FCSB’s players’ confidence before heading to Hungary. The fans are now worried as they saw their favourites going from scoring 11 goals against Virtus to missing the target against Otelul, a performance replicated with Maccabi Tel Aviv when the strikers failed to hit the target in the first leg.

Team News

Right-back Alexandru Pantea is recovering from a ligament injury suffered in February and will not travel to Budapest. More so, talented left-winger Octavian Popescu joined the recovery room after sustaining a foot injury that will see him out for a longer period.

Key factors to consider

• Maccabi Tel Aviv is undefeated in  the last 13 games (W10D3)
• The host won the Israel Super Cup by defeating Maccabi Petah Tikva (2-0)
• FCSB won a single competitive game from the last five played (W1D3L1)
• The visitors suffered a shock home defeat (2-0) in the championship before traveling to Budapesta

Conclusion

Although predicting the full-time result is more difficult this time, we expect the same scenario from the first leg with an open game and many chances created at both ends. Considering the upfront quality present on the pitch in both teams, we expect goals scored at both ends.

Verdict: Both teams score

Best odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: ZetBet