Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna: Home Strength vs Away Stability in Europa League

Two contrasting European campaigns collide in the final round of the Europa League league stage. Maccabi Tel Aviv have struggled throughout the competition, yet they look like a completely different team at home. Bologna, on the other hand, have built their campaign on solid defensive foundations. Will home sharpness prevail, or will the visitors' stability win out?

Maccabi Tel Aviv (Last 6 matches)

• ●Overall: 2W 2D 2L
• ●Avg shots: 10.8 (4.2 on target)
• ●Possession: 50.3%

Home matches (Last 3)

• ●Record: 2W 1D (Unbeaten!)
• ●Avg goals scored: 2.33
• ●Avg goals conceded: 0.33
• ●Shots on target: 6.67

Maccabi at home are a different beast entirely. They've conceded less than one goal across their last three home fixtures.

Bologna (Last 6 matches)

• ●Overall: 1W 2D 3L
• ●Avg shots: 16.3 (4.2 on target)
• ●Possession: 56.3%

Bologna's overall form looks shaky, but their shot volume and possession numbers show they can still dominate games. Finishing has been the issue.

The two sides' league-stage records tell vastly different stories.

Maccabi Tel Aviv

• ●League stage: 0W 1D 6L
• ●Goals: 2 scored, 19 conceded (GD: -17)
• ●Position: 36th
• ●Winless in 80% of last 10 matches
• ●Lost by 2+ goals in 8 of last 20 Europa League games

The numbers are brutal. In Europa League terms, this is a side that has really struggled.

Bologna

• ●League stage: 3W 3D 1L
• ●Goals: 11 scored, 7 conceded (GD: +4)
• ●Position: 15th
• ●Goals conceded per game: 1.0
• ●Unbeaten in 6 of last 7 Europa League matches

Bologna's defensive record in this competition stands out. Just one goal per game conceded is impressive.

Bologna's Approach

With 56% possession in recent matches, Bologna will look to control the ball and dictate tempo. Midfield circulation through Freuler and Ferguson will be key to breaking down Maccabi's block.

Maccabi's Response

At home, Maccabi have been generating 6.67 shots on target per game. Expect them to sit deep and look for counters and set-pieces—the formula that's kept them unbeaten in their last three home games.

Maccabi Tel Aviv (4-2-3-1)

Several key players are out injured, including Kervin Andrade, Kristijan Belic, and Mohamed Camara.

• ●GK: Ofek Melika
• ●DEF: Heitor, Raz Shlomo, Itay Ben Hamo, Roy Revivo
• ●MID: Issouf Sissokho, Ido Shahar, Dor Peretz
• ●FWD: Sagiv Jehezkel, Sayed Abu Farkhi, Hélio Varela

Bologna (4-3-3)

Ciro Immobile and Santiago Castro are among those sidelined, but the core remains intact.

• ●GK: Lukasz Skorupski
• ●DEF: Nadir Zortea, Torbjørn Heggem, Nicolò Casale, Juan Miranda
• ●MID: Remo Freuler, Lewis Ferguson, Tommaso Pobega
• ●FWD: Riccardo Orsolini, Thijs Dallinga, Jonathan Rowe

1. Maccabi's Home Advantage

Their league-stage record is poor, but at home they're a different proposition—20 wins in their last 40 home games across all competitions. Bologna cannot afford complacency.

2. Bologna's Defensive Solidity

One goal per game conceded in Europa League. If that holds, Bologna are in control. Maccabi average just 0.29 goals per game in this competition.

3. Clinical Finishing

Both sides have averaged 4.17 shots on target over their last six. Whoever takes their chances first will likely control the outcome.

Win Probability

• ●Maccabi Tel Aviv win: ~25%
• ●Draw: ~26%
• ●Bologna win: ~49%

The data favors Bologna. Even acknowledging Maccabi's home improvement, the gap in Europa League quality is simply too wide. Bologna's defensive discipline should be enough to contain Maccabi's limited attacking threat.

Predicted Score: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-2 Bologna

Maccabi may nick a goal at home, but Bologna's game management should see them through.

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