CSKA 1948 vs Spartak Trnava Prediction and Betting Tips – 28 July 2026

Date 25.07.2026

Author: Trevor Banks

CSKA 1948 vs Spartak Trnava Prediction – 28 July 2026

Introduction

CSKA 1948 host Spartak Trnava at the Vasil Levski National Stadium on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League second qualifying round tie.

There is no first-leg lead for either side to protect. The opening match in Slovakia ended 0-0, leaving the tie exactly where it started. One goal in Sofia could completely change the evening, but neither team will want to be the one that makes the first serious mistake.

The first match was competitive rather than spectacular. CSKA created their best opportunities after defensive errors from Trnava, while the Slovakian side became more dangerous after the break. Luka Khorkheli struck the post, and Petar Marinov had to make an important late save from David Bukovsky. Mamadou Diallo also missed two promising chances for the Bulgarian visitors.

That first leg told us plenty. The teams are close in overall level, both are comfortable playing without dominating possession, and neither has an obvious reason to take big risks during the opening stages of the return fixture.

Article updated on 25 July 2026. Team news and market prices may change following the domestic matches scheduled before the second leg.

Summer Changes

CSKA 1948

CSKA 1948 have kept a strong part of the team that performed well during the previous campaign, but there are still some important new pieces to fit into the system.

The most noticeable recent arrival is Moataz Zemzemi. The Tunisian central midfielder joined from Club Africain, where he had captained the team. Zemzemi started the first leg in Trnava alongside Héctor Cuéllar and was heavily involved in CSKA’s attempts to play through midfield.

This is not a completely rebuilt squad. Experienced players such as Andre Hoffmann, Lasha Dvali, Georgi Rusev, Mamadou Diallo and Atanas Iliev already understand the level required in a European qualifier. The current CSKA squad also offers several options in midfield, with Florian Krebs, Petar Vitanov, Frédéric Maciel and Borislav Tsonev available when the team needs more control or energy.

The departure of Juanmi Carrión to Trnava adds an interesting detail to this tie. The Spanish left-back knows the CSKA squad and spent time playing in Bulgarian football, although he started the first leg on the bench.

Spartak Trnava

Trnava have gone through a more visible summer refresh.

Carrión was officially described as the club’s ninth summer signing when he arrived from CSKA 1948. New additions Roman Begala, Melos Bajrami and Tijmen Wildeboer all started the first leg, showing that coach Antonio Muñoz is already prepared to trust his new players in important matches.

The changes were necessary. Trnava lost attacking options Michal Ďuriš, Chinedu Taiwo and Idjessi Metsoko, forcing the club to rebuild part of its forward line. Dutch striker Wildeboer was brought in to provide a new focal point, while Lorent Mehmeti and Ivan Mensah have added more depth.

Muñoz has also been joined by Spanish assistant Ibón Arrieta, a coach he already knew from previous work. The aim appears to be a more coordinated and structured team rather than an immediate move towards open, high-risk football.

Nine signings can improve competition inside the squad, but they also require time. Trnava looked organised in the first leg, although some of their worst moments came from poor decisions while attempting to build from the back.

Team Form

CSKA 1948 Form

CSKA began their Bulgarian league season with a 2-2 draw away to Spartak Varna on 18 July.

They were 2-0 behind at half-time but responded through goals from Diallo and Maciel. A late third goal was disallowed. The comeback showed that CSKA have character and enough attacking options to change a match from the bench. It also showed that they can start slowly and give opponents opportunities before finding their rhythm.

Their summer preparation produced several encouraging results. CSKA defeated Partizan Belgrade 3-0 and Železničar Pančevo 1-0, while also drawing 3-3 with Maribor. They lost narrowly to Varaždin before beginning their competitive schedule.

The 0-0 draw in Trnava extended their unbeaten start to competitive football, but the lack of a goal should not be ignored. Diallo was presented with two good openings and Georgi Rusev broke into a dangerous position, yet CSKA failed to register the away goal that would have placed Trnava under much greater pressure.

Spartak Trnava Form

Trnava’s preparation has been mixed.

The best result was an impressive 3-2 friendly victory over Beşiktaş. That performance showed what the Slovakian side can produce when they press with confidence and move the ball quickly into the attacking third.

Other results were less convincing. Trnava lost 3-1 to Kroměříž and drew 2-2 with Šamorín, while earlier preparation matches against Viktoria Plzeň and Slovácko also ended level.

The first leg against CSKA was Trnava’s first competitive game of the season. They looked physically prepared and became stronger during the second half, but their finishing was not sharp enough.

Trnava also have a league match against Skalica on 25 July, only three days before travelling to Sofia. Muñoz may rotate some of his important players, but even a reduced workload could have an effect on the freshness of the visiting team.

Tactical Analysis

How CSKA 1948 May Approach the Match

CSKA used a shape close to 4-4-1-1 in the first leg.

Mamadou Diallo played as the central striker, with Jules Meyer working behind him. Georgi Rusev and Brian Sobrero operated from wider positions, while Zemzemi and Cuéllar covered the central areas.

At home, CSKA should move their wide players higher and give the full-backs more freedom to support attacks. The risk is that committing too many players forward would leave space for Philip Azango and Luka Khorkheli to attack in transition.

Diallo remains the obvious reference point. At 191 centimetres, he can receive direct passes, compete for crosses and hold the ball while the midfield moves forward. However, CSKA should not reduce their entire attack to high balls towards him. Trnava’s central defenders handled that type of football reasonably well in the first match.

The more promising route may be to isolate Trnava’s full-backs and then play low passes into the penalty area. Trnava made several mistakes when attempting to play out from defence, and CSKA’s pressing created two of Diallo’s best chances.

Rusev will be especially important. His movement from the wing into central positions can create the space needed for Diego Medina to overlap. If CSKA can force Trnava’s midfield to defend facing its own goal, the home side should create better opportunities than they managed in Slovakia.

How Spartak Trnava May Approach the Match

Trnava are unlikely to arrive in Sofia with the intention of controlling possession for long periods.

A compact 4-2-3-1 gives them enough protection in front of the defence and allows the attacking midfielders to break quickly after winning the ball. Begala and Marin Laušič can remain close to the centre-backs, while Azango and Trello provide the running power on the outside.

Set pieces will be one of the visitors’ main weapons. Erik Sabo has a strong delivery and Trnava created several dangerous situations from free kicks and crosses in the opening match.

The visitors may also attack the space behind CSKA’s full-backs. Khorkheli found that type of opening before hitting the post in Trnava. If CSKA become impatient and push both full-backs forward at the same time, the Georgian attacker could become Trnava’s biggest threat.

The difficult decision for Muñoz is when to become more adventurous. Remaining defensive for 90 minutes would invite pressure, but opening the game too early would favour CSKA’s quicker attacking players.

Key Players

Mamadou Diallo – CSKA 1948

Diallo scored in CSKA’s 2-2 league draw with Spartak Varna and was also one of their leading attacking figures during the previous domestic campaign.

He should have scored in the first leg after twice benefiting from poor Trnava passes. His movement was correct, but the finishing was not. He is unlikely to receive many clear chances in the return match, so CSKA will need him to be more clinical.

Georgi Rusev – CSKA 1948

Rusev provides pace, direct running and the ability to move between the wing and the central attacking zones.

He came close to breaking through in the first leg before Bajrami managed to push him away from a clean shooting position. On the larger spaces of the Vasil Levski pitch, Rusev may have more opportunities to attack one against one.

Moataz Zemzemi – CSKA 1948

Zemzemi is expected to help CSKA control the middle of the pitch.

He can receive the ball under pressure and move attacks forward, but he was booked early in Trnava and had to play carefully for the remainder of the match. His discipline and positioning will matter against Trnava’s counterattacks.

Luka Khorkheli – Spartak Trnava

Khorkheli produced Trnava’s clearest opportunity in the first leg when his header struck the post.

He regularly moves away from the central attacking position and looks for space between the opposition full-back and centre-back. CSKA cannot afford to lose track of him when crosses are delivered from the opposite side.

Erik Sabo – Spartak Trnava

Sabo brings experience and leadership to a Trnava defence containing several new players.

He also gives the visitors an additional attacking weapon from free kicks and deep crosses. His distribution could become particularly useful if CSKA press aggressively during the first half.

Martin Vantruba – Spartak Trnava

Vantruba made an important save after Bajrami’s error early in the second half of the first leg.

Trnava will probably face more pressure in Sofia, and their goalkeeper may need to deal with crosses, second balls and shots from outside the penalty area.

Expected Lineups

The following lineups are based mainly on the first leg. Both clubs have domestic matches before the return fixture, so late rotation, injuries or fitness decisions remain possible.

CSKA 1948 Expected Lineup

Formation: 4-4-1-1

Petar Marinov;

Diego Medina, Andre Hoffmann, Lasha Dvali, Ognjen Gašević;

Georgi Rusev, Moataz Zemzemi, Héctor Cuéllar, Brian Sobrero;

Jules Meyer;

Mamadou Diallo.

Possible changes: Atanas Iliev could be used as the central striker or alongside Diallo if CSKA need a more physical attack. Frédéric Maciel and Florian Krebs are the most likely midfield alternatives.

Spartak Trnava Expected Lineup

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Martin Vantruba;

Kristián Koštrna, Erik Sabo, Melos Bajrami, Martin Mikovič;

Roman Begala, Marin Laušič;

Philip Azango, Luka Khorkheli, Filip Trello;

Tijmen Wildeboer.

Possible changes: Hilary Gong offers more direct pace, while David Bukovsky made a positive impact from the bench in the first leg. Juanmi Carrión could replace Mikovič at left-back.

Head-to-Head

The 0-0 draw on 22 July was the first completed competitive meeting between CSKA 1948 and Spartak Trnava.

They also met during a winter training camp in January 2026. Trnava were leading 1-0, but the friendly was not completed because of heavy rain. That result should not carry much weight when analysing the return leg.

The competitive evidence is more useful: the teams are evenly matched, both defences can be difficult to break down, and neither attack was able to take full control of the first game.

Betting Markets

CSKA 1948 to Win

CSKA are priced between approximately 1.84 and 1.89 to win in 90 minutes, with the draw available between 2.94 and 3.18. A Trnava victory has been offered between 3.05 and 3.28. Prices were available on 24 July and may move before kick-off.

Home advantage makes CSKA the correct favourite, but odds below 1.90 are not especially generous after such an even first leg.

Verdict: Reasonable, but not the strongest value.

Under 2.5 Goals

This market fits the likely match pattern.

The first leg produced no goals, both teams protected the central areas well, and the consequences of conceding first are considerable. Even after an opening goal, the team in front may become more defensive rather than continue attacking.

A price of 1.65 or higher would be acceptable.

Verdict: Strong option.

Both Teams to Score – No

CSKA have a solid and experienced central defence, while Trnava have failed to score in their first competitive match of the season.

The main danger is that an early goal could force the losing side to abandon its original plan. Without an early breakthrough, another match in which at least one team fails to score looks realistic.

Verdict: Worth considering at 1.75 or higher.

Draw at Half-Time

Neither side has a reason to play recklessly during the opening 20 or 30 minutes.

CSKA should have more of the ball, but Trnava will be comfortable defending in a compact shape. A level score at the break is a realistic outcome.

Verdict: Suitable as a secondary bet.

CSKA 1948 to Qualify

This is safer than backing a home win in 90 minutes because it also covers a CSKA victory after extra time or penalties.

The price will naturally be shorter, but it may appeal to bettors who expect home advantage to become decisive without being convinced that the tie will be settled during normal time.

Verdict: Safer alternative to the 1X2 home win.

Best Bet

Under 2.5 Goals

The strongest selection for CSKA 1948 vs Spartak Trnava is:

Under 2.5 Goals – take at odds of 1.65 or higher

There was little between the teams in Slovakia, and both coaches now know exactly where the opposition’s main threats are coming from.

CSKA are expected to push more at home, but they are unlikely to attack without protection behind the ball. Trnava will try to keep the match level for as long as possible and wait for set pieces, defensive mistakes or counterattacking opportunities.

The first goal may not arrive early, and even if it does, the match does not automatically have to become open.

Score Prediction

CSKA 1948 1-0 Spartak Trnava

CSKA’s home advantage, stronger bench and slightly greater individual quality in attacking areas give them the edge.

However, the first leg showed that Trnava can stay organised and create dangerous moments of their own. This may be another close contest, with one successful finish or one defensive mistake deciding which team advances.

Main prediction: CSKA 1948 to win 1-0

Alternative result: 1-1 after 90 minutes

FAQ

When is CSKA 1948 vs Spartak Trnava?

The match will be played on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.

What time does the match start?

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:30 Bulgarian time and 19:30 in Slovakia and Central Europe.

Where will CSKA 1948 vs Spartak Trnava be played?

The second leg will be played at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia.

What happened in the first leg?

The opening match in Trnava finished 0-0. Both teams had chances, with Khorkheli hitting the post for Trnava and Diallo missing two promising opportunities for CSKA.

Who is the favourite?

CSKA 1948 are the bookmakers’ favourite, with early home-win prices around 1.84 to 1.89.

What is the best bet?

Under 2.5 goals is the preferred selection, provided odds of at least 1.65 are available.

What is the predicted score?

The prediction is a 1-0 victory for CSKA 1948.

Conclusion

The first leg did not give either team a clear advantage, but it gave CSKA 1948 a result they should be reasonably satisfied with.

They now have home advantage and do not need to chase the tie from behind. The Bulgarian side have more attacking alternatives on the bench and should create several chances if they can press Trnava into the same defensive mistakes seen in Slovakia.

Trnava should not be underestimated. They grew into the first match, hit the post and finished strongly. Their compact structure, set-piece quality and ability to attack on the break make them capable of keeping the tie alive until the closing stages.

The likely difference is that CSKA will have more opportunities to control where the game is played. If Diallo, Rusev or one of the substitutes can convert a key chance, the hosts should do enough to progress.

Expect a tense European qualifier rather than an open, end-to-end contest.

Final prediction: CSKA 1948 to qualify

Best bet: Under 2.5 Goals

Correct score prediction: CSKA 1948 1-0 Spartak Trnava