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On Thursday, OFI Crete will host CSKA Sofia of Bulgaria at the Theodoros Vardinogiannis Stadium for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League playoff match.
The Greek outfit are making their return to continental football following their triumph in the Greek Football Cup.
Meanwhile, the visiting Red Army arrive in Heraklion having already navigated three qualifying rounds and will be looking to make it to the league phase.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
OFI vs. CSKA Sofia key stats
- OFI Crete have not won in their last four games across all competitions, including friendlies.
- CSKA Sofia have lost only once in their last six Europa League qualifying rounds.
- OFI Crete have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine games across all competitions.
OFI vs. CSKA Sofia preview: Both teams aiming for League phase qualification
OFI vs. CSKA Sofia — Tale of the Tape
| OFI | vs | CSKA Sofia |
|---|---|---|
| NA | Position | 2nd |
| NA | Points | 13 |
| NA | Goals For | 13 |
| NA | Goals Against | 3 |
| NA | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| NA | Home / Away Rank | 1st/2nd |
OFI Crete are preparing for their first European campaign in six years after a major domestic triumph last season.
Having spent time in amateur football only around a decade ago, O Omilos have steadily climbed the Greek football pyramid and produced one of the biggest shocks of the 2025-26 campaign by defeating AEK Athens in the Greece Cup final.
That success delivered OFI their second major trophy and secured a place in the final qualifying round of the Europa League.
Christos Kontis's men now stand just two matches away from reaching the league phase, although their preparations over the summer were far from ideal.
OFI suffered three successive friendly defeats against Go Ahead Eagles, NAC Breda and Willem II before making a much stronger return to competitive football.
They faced AEK Athens again in the Greece Super Cup last week and pushed the reigning Greek champions all the way to penalties.
OFI ultimately prevailed from the spot, providing another confidence boost ahead of their European return.
Meanwhile, CSKA Sofia have already endured a lengthy European journey of three rounds this season.
Finishing fourth in the Bulgarian top flight last term, behind champions Levski Sofia, CSKA 1948 and Ludogorets, the Army Men entered the competition in the opening qualifying round.
Hristo Yanev's side have since eliminated Derry City, Qarabag and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Despite the demanding schedule, the Bulgarians have lost just once this season and remain unbeaten through their opening five league matches.
Their confidence was further enhanced on Sunday when they demolished Botev Vratsa 5-0.
With OFI returning to continental competition after a lengthy absence and CSKA Sofia already battle-tested from a demanding qualifying campaign, the first leg promises to be a closely contested encounter in Greece.
OFI vs. CSKA Sofia form guide & betting tips
| OFI | vs | CSKA Sofia |
|---|---|---|
WLLLD |
Form | WWWLW |
| 8 | Goals For | 14 |
| 12 | Goals Against | 4 |
NA |
Europa League qualification | DWL |
Whispers predicts: OFI 1-1 CSKA Sofia
For this first-leg clash, we expect a tight game, with both teams looking to take an advantage into the second leg.
OFI Crete have not been at their best in their last four games and had to settle for a draw in their recent cup game.
They currently lack match sharpness compared to the visitors, CSKA Sofia, who have already played multiple high-stakes European ties this summer.
Bookmakers have made OFI Crete the slight favourite to win the game, with the odds given at 6/4 (2.50).
A draw is priced at 21/10 (3.10), while an away victory for CSKA Sofia is offered at 7/4 (2.75), indicating a closely contested game.
Other options, like under 2.5 goals, are priced at 18/25 (1.72), while both teams to score (yes) is valued at 5/6 (1.83). Additionally, an away team double chance is offered at 1/2 (1.50).
> Draw at 21/10 (3.10) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 18/25 (1.72) | Likelihood: Possible
> Both teams to score at 5/6 (1.83) | Likelihood: Probable
> CSKA Sofia (Double Chance) at 1/2 (1.50) | Likelihood: Possible