Europa League Main Stage – Round 8
Match: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna
Date: January 29, 2026
Kick-off Time: 20:45 (Local Time, Israel)
Venue: Bloomfield Stadium, Tel Aviv
Our Prediction for Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna
Maccabi Tel Aviv enter this fixture as one of the weakest performers in the Europa League main stage, while Bologna travel to Israel with a clear objective: secure all three points and strengthen their European campaign.
The Israeli champions managed to defend both their league title and domestic cup last season. However, the current domestic campaign has been less convincing, with Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Beitar Jerusalem outperforming them in the title race. On the continental stage, their struggles have been even more evident.
Bologna, on the other hand, are still adapting to life in European competition. After a disappointing Champions League debut last season and a ninth-place finish in Serie A, they did manage to lift the Coppa Italia. The current season started well, but a run of winter setbacks pushed Vincenzo Italiano’s side into the middle of the Serie A table.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Europa League Journey
Maccabi Tel Aviv began their European campaign in the Champions League qualifiers but were surprisingly eliminated early by debutants Pafos, who have since proven competitive in the main stage.
Dropping into the Europa League qualifiers, Maccabi overcame Hamrun Spartans and Dynamo Kyiv during the summer. However, the main stage has been a nightmare. After holding PAOK to a 0-0 draw in the opening round, they suffered defeat after defeat.
In Freiburg, they resisted pressure until the 85th minute before conceding the decisive goal in a narrow 0-1 loss. Overall, their defensive resilience has not translated into results.
Bologna’s Recent Form and Momentum
Bologna opened their Europa League campaign with a defeat to Aston Villa and collected just five points from the first four rounds. However, their form improved significantly toward the end of 2025.
Victories over Red Bull Salzburg and Celta Vigo restored confidence, and last Thursday they earned a dramatic 2-2 draw against Celtic. Despite falling behind, Bologna showed character, equalizing in the second half while playing with a numerical advantage.
This late surge suggests the Italians are peaking at the right moment.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna: Key Statistics and Trends
Maccabi Tel Aviv have lost 7 of their last 8 Europa League matches
The Israeli side have scored only 2 goals and conceded 19 in the main stage
Bologna have won 3 of their last 5 Europa League matches
Bologna average 1.57 goals scored per match and concede just 1 goal per game
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna: Probable Lineups
Maccabi Tel Aviv (probable lineup):
Mishpati – Eytor, Shlomo, Ben Amo – Revivo, Yehezkel, Abu-Farhi, Liderman, Noy, Ben Harush – Peretz
Bologna (probable lineup):
Skorupski – Miranda, Heggem, Casale, Dzortea – Pobega, Moro, Ferguson – Dominguez, Dallinga, Rowe
Previous Encounters: Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna
These two teams have never faced each other in official competition prior to this match.
Betting Odds Overview
Market | Selection | Odds |
|---|---|---|
Handicap | Bologna -1 | 1.80 |
Match Result | Bologna Win | 1.55 |
Total Goals | Over 2.5 | 1.72 |
Both Teams to Score | No | 1.65 |
(Odds are indicative and may vary by bookmaker)
Free Prediction for Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna
Based on current form, squad quality, and European experience, Bologna should have little trouble imposing their game. Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defensive issues and lack of attacking threat make it difficult to see them resisting for 90 minutes.
Recommended Bet: Bologna -1 Handicap
Expected Outcome: Comfortable away victory for the Italians
