The Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League presents a fascinating meeting as Maccabi Tel Aviv welcome Pafos to the Bloomfield Stadium in Tel Aviv. Both teams are aspiring to advance deep into Europe’s elite tournament, and with their recent 1-1 draw in the first leg, all is left to play for. An interesting twist here is both coaches, Zarko Lazetic and Juan Carlos Carcedo, have built sides that emphasize disciplined defensive structures, setting up an intriguing tactical battle.
For Maccabi Tel Aviv, winger Weslley Pinto Batista has emerged as a dynamic threat, adding energy and effective wing play. In contrast, Pafos will look to Mons Rogeani Bassouamina, who has shown a keen instinct in front of goal and could be key to their hopes of an upset.
Notably, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s last five matches saw them average a remarkable 24 total shots per game — underlining their offensive intent and ability to put opponents under sustained pressure.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Champions League 2025/26, Second Qualifying Round |
| 🏟 Venue: | Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv |
| 🗓️ Date: | 30.07.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:00 CEST |
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Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Pafos prediction
The best value prediction for this match is for Maccabi Tel Aviv to secure a win, but expect it to be a closely fought affair. The Israeli side holds home advantage and has a forward-thinking, attack-heavy style, as evident from their high shot tally and possession statistics. That said, Pafos have shown resilience — drawing three of their last four and conceding just twice in their last five matches, underscoring their compactness and discipline.
Maccabi’s ability to create high-quality goal-scoring opportunities, combined with an organized backline, contrasts with Pafos’ focus on defensive solidity and quick transitions. In terms of discipline, both teams have accumulated a fair number of yellow cards recently (Maccabi 9, Pafos 10 in last five games), suggesting a match that could get scrappy in midfield. Pafos, however, have been less adventurous going forward (10 total shots in five matches), so expect them to focus on discipline over possession. Ball possession will likely favor Maccabi, but Pafos’ ability to dig in and frustrate opponents might keep scoring moderate.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Maccabi Tel Aviv -1 Asian Handicap |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Under 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | No |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Maccabi Tel Aviv Recent Games: Maccabi come into the return leg off a mixed run of form. After an emphatic 12-0 win over Satu Mare, they struggled momentarily with a 1-2 home loss to Hapoel Beer Sheva, then bounced back by narrowly beating Hapoel Rishon Lezion 2-1. Their previous encounter with Pafos resulted in a 1-1 draw in Cyprus, where they controlled the tempo with 24 shots but struggled to maximize their chances. Their attacking intent is undeniable, but they must remain wary of over-committing and leaving gaps at the back.
Pafos Recent Games: Pafos, meanwhile, remain undefeated in their last four matches, emphasizing defensive rigidity and counter-attacking setups. They held Maccabi to a draw at home, matched Orlando Pirates 1-1, and squeezed past Leyton Orient 1-0. Their biggest issue remains transition: they generate few chances but make them count, with Bassouamina a pivotal figure in converting half-chances. Their ability to stifle more attack-minded teams has been impressive, though their scoring remains modest.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Maccabi Tel Aviv | Pafos |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 1 |
| Total shots | 24 | 10 |
| Free kicks | 19 | 8 |
| Corner kicks | 19 | 8 |
| Total fouls | 25 | 10 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 86 | 0 |
| Interceptions | 6 | 0 |
| Offsides | 1 | 0 |
🚨Read our full Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Pafos stats for more analysis.

Pafos. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: Maccabi Tel Aviv the favourite
- Moneyline Maccabi Tel Aviv 1.88 | Pafos 4.20
- Draw 3.60
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.70
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 2.00 | No 1.85
These odds reinforce Maccabi Tel Aviv’s status as favorites, driven by their stronger attacking output and home advantage. The higher price for the draw and Pafos win reflects the Cypriot club’s defensive posture and Maccabi’s tendency to dictate play at home. Value exists in backing the under 2.5 goals, as both teams’ recent meetings and disciplined approaches point to a tightly contested affair.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups
Maccabi Tel Aviv possible starting eleven

- GK: Yoav Gerafi
- DF: Raz Shlomo, Tyrese Asante, Nemanja Stojic, Roy Revivo
- MF: Dor Peretz, Issouf Bemba Sissokho, Ido Shahar
- FW: Weslley Pinto Batista, Osher Davida, Elad Madmon
Maccabi typically opt for their 4-2-3-1 formation, maximizing width and allowing Batista to utilize his pace. Shlomo and Asante have provided defensive assurance, while Gerafi’s composure in goal is critical. Madmon and Davida will be closely watched for their ability to unlock the Pafos backline, and Sissokho’s ball progression may be vital in transitions.
Pafos possible starting eleven

- GK: Neofytos Michael
- DF: Derrick Luckassen, Felipe Bruno, Kostas Pileas
- MF: João Correia, Ivan Šunjić, Vlad Dragomir, Pêpê
- FW: Mons Rogeani Bassouamina, Muamer Tanković, Mislav Oršić
Pafos often line up in a flexible 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, emphasizing compactness. Luckassen and Bruno’s presence at the back shores up the defense, while Correia and Pêpê look to disrupt attacks and feed Bassouamina. The front three’s mobility will be crucial if Pafos are to threaten on the counter. Keep an eye on Bassouamina as their in-form striker, with Oršić providing wide attacking support if fit.
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Maccabi Tel Aviv. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
Maccabi Tel Aviv are deserved favorites given their creativity, attacking volume, and home environment. They dominate on-ball metrics and are persistent in the final third, but must be wary of Pafos’ disciplined counter-attacking. Expect a tight encounter with Maccabi ultimately prevailing — my main pick is Maccabi Tel Aviv -1 Asian Handicap backed by their superior shot production and greater attacking threat. However, value seekers may explore the under 2.5 goals market, as Pafos are adept at containing games and keeping things nervy for the home fans.