[REVISION HISTORY]

OFI Crete eliminates CSKA Sofia from Europa League

Updated 26 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-28 19:15 UTC → 2026-08-31 14:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Following OFI Crete’s 3-0 victory in the first leg of the Europa League playoff on 20 August, CSKA Sofia prepared for the decisive second leg at the Vasil Levski National Stadium on 27 August. While CSKA Sofia released tickets and addressed squad availability, statistical models gave the Bulgarian side only an 11% chance of advancement. On 27 August, OFI Crete secured qualification for the Europa League League Phase by defeating CSKA Sofia 2-0 in the second leg, resulting in a 5-0 aggregate victory. Tiago Nous opened the scoring in the 36th minute, and Giannis Theodorosoulakis added a second in the 78th minute. Despite early pressure from the hosts, OFI Crete maintained defensive stability, supported by goalkeeper Christogeorgos. This second consecutive defeat in the matchup confirms CSKA Sofia’s elimination from the Europa League. Following the loss, CSKA Sofia head coach Hristo Yanev and defender Teodor Ivanov noted that the team lacked clinical finishing and defensive organization. As a result, CSKA Sofia will proceed to compete in the UEFA Conference League. Following the draws in Monaco, OFI Crete’s upcoming Europa League League Phase schedule, set to begin in mid-September 2026, includes matches against Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica, Rennes, Anderlecht, Sturm Graz, Lech Poznan, Hoffenheim, and Hapoel Beer Sheva. Club officials expressed optimism regarding the draw, stating that ‘the sky is the limit’ for the team. As OFI Crete prepares for these fixtures, the club must navigate UEFA squad registration deadlines. Greek representatives, including OFI, Olympiacos, AEK, and Panathinaikos, are required to submit player lists for their respective European competitions by 00:59 Greek time on 3 September. While the domestic transfer window remains open until 15 September, any players registered after the UEFA deadline will be ineligible for the League Phase.

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