Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Prediction: Bologna will defeat Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-0 in their UEFA Europa League match on January 30, 2026, as the Italian side holds superior form with 12 points and an unbeaten run since their opening loss, while Maccabi Tel Aviv sits bottom of the table with just 1 point from 7 matches and has conceded 19 goals in the competition.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025/2026 |
| Match Date | Thursday, January 30, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 1:30 AM (Local Time) |
| Venue | Backa Topola, Serbia (Neutral Ground) |
| Bologna Position | 15th (12 points) |
| Maccabi Tel Aviv Position | 36th (1 point) |
| Bologna Form | D-W-W-D-W (Europa League) |
| Maccabi Tel Aviv Form | L-L-L-L-L (Europa League) |
Key Facts
- Bologna secured their playoff spot with 12 points from seven Europa League matches.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv sits bottom of the 36-team table with just one point.
- Bologna remains unbeaten in Europe since their opening defeat to Aston Villa.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv has conceded 19 goals while scoring only two in the competition.
- Bologna needs victory but cannot reach the top eight regardless of results.
- Vincenzo Italiano’s side has won just one of their last 10 Serie A matches.
- Maccabi Tel Aviv plays this match on neutral ground in Serbia due to security concerns.
- Bologna suffered a dramatic 3-2 collapse against Genoa after leading 2-0 at halftime.
- The two teams have never faced each other in competitive football.
- Bologna goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski received a red card in their last domestic match.
On This Page
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Preview and Prediction
Bologna approaches this Europa League finale with mixed emotions.
The Italian side has already guaranteed their place in the knockout playoffs after accumulating 12 points through six unbeaten matches following their opening loss.
However, their recent domestic form raises serious concerns about their overall momentum.
The Rossoblu demonstrated resilience by fighting back against Celtic last week, with Jonathan Rowe and Thijs Dallinga scoring in the second half.
Despite facing 10 men for nearly an hour, Bologna could only manage a 2-2 draw at Stadio Dall’Ara.
This result effectively ended their hopes of finishing in the top eight positions that would grant automatic passage to the Round of 16.
Vincenzo Italiano’s team now faces a critical period.
Their Serie A campaign has deteriorated significantly, with only one victory in their last 10 league matches.
The most recent setback came in Genoa, where Bologna surrendered a comfortable 2-0 halftime lead to lose 3-2.
The collapse occurred after goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski received a red card shortly after returning from injury, forcing the team to play with 10 men throughout the second half.
Maccabi Tel Aviv enters this match with nothing but pride to play for. The Israeli champions have endured a disastrous Europa League campaign, collecting just one point from seven matches.
Their defensive record stands as the worst in the competition, having conceded 19 goals while managing only two at the other end.
The Yellows have lost their last five Europa League matches consecutively.
Their most recent defeat came against Freiburg, part of a broader struggle that includes domestic setbacks.
Maccabi lost 4-1 to Maccabi Haifa and suffered a 2-1 derby defeat to Hapoel Tel Aviv on Monday.
Despite these European struggles, Zarko Lazetic’s side maintains third position in the Israeli Premier League after 20 matches.
Expected Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Lineups
Maccabi Tel Aviv Predicted XI: Mashpati; Ben Hamo, Shlomo, Heitor, Revivo; Ben Harush, Lederman; Jehezkel, Peretz, Varela; Farchi
Bologna Predicted XI: Ravaglia; Holm, Vitik, Heggem, Miranda; Moro, Pobega; Orsolini, Odgaard, Rowe; Dallinga
Tactical Analysis and Formations
Bologna typically operates with a flexible system that allows them to adapt based on opposition. Italiano favors a possession-based approach with quick transitions.
The team builds from the back through their center-backs and utilizes wide players to stretch defenses.
Their midfield pivot provides stability while creative players like Rowe and Odgaard operate between the lines.
For this match, Bologna will likely rotate their squad given their secured playoff position and upcoming Serie A commitments.
The expected formation remains a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, depending on personnel selection.
The emphasis will be on controlling possession and exploiting Maccabi’s defensive vulnerabilities through quick combination play.
Maccabi Tel Aviv has struggled to implement a consistent tactical identity in Europe.
Their defensive organization has collapsed repeatedly, leading to heavy defeats.
The team attempts to press high but lacks the coordination to sustain pressure. In possession, they rely heavily on individual moments rather than structured build-up play.
Their 4-2-3-1 formation provides numerical balance but has proven ineffective against stronger opposition.
Team Injuries and Impact
Bologna Injuries
Jhon Lucumi remains sidelined with a hamstring injury that has kept him out of recent matches.
The Colombian defender’s absence weakens Bologna’s defensive stability.
Federico Bernardeschi and Martin Vitik returned to the bench against Genoa, suggesting they could feature in this match.
Lukasz Skorupski faces a suspension after his red card, though Federico Ravaglia provides capable cover.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Injuries
Ion Nicolaescu, the team’s star striker, will miss this match. His absence removes Maccabi’s primary goal threat.
The 19-year-old Sayed Abu Farkhi will lead the attack in his place, but the teenager lacks the experience and quality to trouble Bologna’s defense consistently.
Key Injury Impact
Nicolaescu’s absence proves critical for Maccabi Tel Aviv. The striker has scored nine league goals this season and represents their most dangerous attacking weapon.
Without him, Maccabi’s already limited offensive capabilities diminish further.
Bologna’s injury situation appears less severe, with rotation options available across most positions.
Key Players to Watch
Dor Peretz (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
The captain scored twice in Israel’s 5-4 defeat to Italy earlier this season, demonstrating his attacking capabilities from midfield.
Peretz netted against Hapoel Tel Aviv at the weekend and seeks consecutive goals for the first time since September.
His nine league goals highlight his importance to Maccabi’s attacking play. However, he has yet to score in Europe this season.
Thijs Dallinga (Bologna)
The Dutch striker has scored in all three of his Europa League starts this season.
His physical presence and finishing ability make him Bologna’s primary goal threat.
Dallinga came off the bench to score against Celtic and could start this match as Italiano rotates his squad.
His movement in the box and aerial prowess should trouble Maccabi’s vulnerable defense.
Jonathan Rowe (Bologna)
The young winger has impressed with his direct running and creativity. Rowe scored against Celtic and provides width and pace that stretches defenses.
His ability to cut inside from the left creates shooting opportunities and opens space for teammates.
Current Standings
UEFA Europa League Table (Top 16 and Bottom 2):
- Olympique Lyonnais – 18 points
- Aston Villa – 18 points
- Freiburg – 17 points
- Bologna – 12 points
- Malmo FF – 1 point
- Maccabi Tel Aviv – 1 point
Bologna sits comfortably in the playoff positions (9th-24th place). Maccabi Tel Aviv occupies last place with the worst goal difference in the competition (-17).
Head-to-Head Analysis
These teams have never met in competitive football. This represents their first encounter across all competitions.
The lack of historical data means tactical preparation relies on recent form analysis and scouting reports rather than previous meetings.
Where to Watch Live?
The match broadcasts globally across multiple platforms.
In the United States, fans can watch on Paramount+ and ViX. British viewers have access through TNT Sports 9, discovery+, and the discovery+ App.
Italian audiences can follow on Sky Sport Calcio, Sky Sport 253, SKY Go Italia, and NOW TV. Canadian coverage comes via DAZN Canada and fuboTV Canada.
Additional international coverage includes beIN Sports networks across Middle Eastern and Asian markets, Disney+ in Scandinavian countries, and various regional broadcasters worldwide.
Statistical Analysis
Bologna’s Europa League campaign shows defensive solidity with only seven goals conceded in seven matches.
Their 11 goals scored demonstrates adequate attacking output. The team’s three wins, three draws, and one loss reflect consistency.
Their unbeaten run since the opening match represents their best European streak since 1971.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s statistics paint a concerning picture. Zero wins from seven matches, with six losses and one draw.
The 2-19 goal differential highlights catastrophic defensive issues. They rank last in goals scored and goals conceded among all 36 teams.
Bologna averages 1.57 goals per game in Europe while conceding exactly one per match.
Maccabi averages 0.29 goals scored and 2.71 goals conceded per game. These numbers suggest a significant quality gap between the sides.
Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Prediction
Bologna should secure victory despite their recent domestic struggles. The quality difference between the teams remains substantial.
Maccabi Tel Aviv’s defensive fragility and lack of attacking threat without Nicolaescu makes them vulnerable.
Bologna’s rotation policy might reduce their intensity, but their superior technical ability should prevail.
The Italian side will control possession and create multiple chances against Maccabi’s porous defense.
Dallinga’s aerial presence and Rowe’s pace should exploit defensive weaknesses. Maccabi lacks the quality to threaten Bologna consistently, particularly without their primary striker.
A comfortable 2-0 victory for Bologna appears likely. The scoreline reflects Bologna’s ability to dominate without needing maximum effort, given their secured playoff position and upcoming domestic priorities.
Bologna’s recent collapse in Genoa dominates their news cycle.
The team’s inability to manage games with numerical advantage raises questions about mental strength.
Skorupski’s suspension forces Ravaglia into the starting role, though the backup goalkeeper has performed adequately when called upon.
Maccabi Tel Aviv continues dealing with the logistical challenges of playing home matches on neutral ground.
Their domestic form remains stronger than their European performances, maintaining third place in the Israeli Premier League despite recent setbacks.
The team focuses on finishing their Europa League campaign with dignity before concentrating on domestic objectives.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Live?
Fans can watch Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna live on Paramount+ and ViX in the United States, TNT Sports 9 and discovery+ in the United Kingdom, Sky Sport Calcio in Italy, DAZN Canada in Canada, and beIN Sports networks across Middle Eastern and Asian markets on January 30, 2026.
Who Will Win Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Match?
Bologna will win the Maccabi Tel Aviv match because the Italian side has remained unbeaten in their last six Europa League games with 12 points and sits 15th in the table, while Maccabi Tel Aviv occupies last place with only 1 point, has lost five consecutive European matches, and has conceded 19 goals with the worst defensive record in the competition.
What is Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Match Kick-Off Time?
The Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna match kicks off at 1:30 AM local time on Thursday, January 30, 2026, in the final round of the UEFA Europa League league phase at a neutral venue in Backa Topola, Serbia.
Are There Any Injuries in Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Match?
Maccabi Tel Aviv will miss star striker Ion Nicolaescu who has scored nine league goals this season, while Bologna faces the absence of defender Jhon Lucumi due to a hamstring injury and goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski serves a suspension after receiving a red card against Genoa, forcing Federico Ravaglia to start in goal.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna Match?
The predicted score for Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Bologna is 0-2 in favor of Bologna because the Italian side has scored 11 goals while conceding only 7 in the Europa League, maintains an unbeaten streak since their opening loss, and faces a Maccabi team that has managed just 2 goals while conceding 19 in seven matches with their top striker Ion Nicolaescu unavailable.
Bologna Standing with Points?
Bologna currently sits in 15th position with 12 points in the UEFA Europa League table after recording 3 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss from 7 matches, which secures their place in the knockout round playoffs scheduled for February 2026.
Maccabi Tel Aviv Standing With Points?
Maccabi Tel Aviv occupies 36th and last position with only 1 point in the UEFA Europa League table after recording 0 wins, 1 draw, and 6 losses from 7 matches, with a goal difference of -17 (2 goals scored, 19 conceded), which eliminates them from advancing to the knockout stages.