Derry City vs CSKA Sofia Preview & Prediction | 2026-27 UEFA Europa League | First Qualifying Round

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Derry City kept themselves alive in this UEFA Europa League campaign as the League of Ireland side now take on Bulgarian giants CSKA Sofia on Thursday evening.

Kick-off date/time: 16 July 2026 at 6:30 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Cannot be streamed

Derry City vs CSKA Sofia prediction

In the first-leg of this UEFA Europa League first qualifying round tie, CSKA Sofia defeated Derry City by three goals to two at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Bulgaria last week. CSKA Sofia took a 19th minute lead via Ioannis Pittas before Liam Boyce equalised and then Bruno Jordao re-established that lead before half-time. Pittas made it 3-1 in the 53rd minute before James Olayinka scored late on for Derry.

A recognisable Derry squad with some big names will believe they can get themselves on the front foot here, especially with their home advantage, and both teams scoring once again seems a decent bet for this one.

Derry City vs CSKA Sofia tip: Both teams to score