OFI Heraklion prepares for Europa League playoff second leg against CSKA Sofia

OFI Heraklion travels to Bulgaria to face CSKA Sofia on August 27, 2026, at 21:00 in the second leg of the Europa League playoff round. The Greek side enters the match at the Vasil Levski Stadium with a significant 3-0 advantage from the first encounter held in Crete. The team owner, Michalis Bousis, is accompanying the 24-man squad for this pivotal match aimed at securing a spot in the competition's League Phase.

Manager Christos Kontis has emphasized that despite the comfortable lead, his players must approach the game as if the scoreline were 0-0. Kontis warns that losing focus could be detrimental, urging his team to maintain a compact defensive structure and exhibit a winning mentality rather than simply protecting their lead. The team will be missing Belgian striker Aaron Iseka due to a groin injury, while Nikos Marinakis remains sidelined for therapy.

CSKA Sofia is expected to adopt an aggressive offensive approach from the start, as they must overturn a three-goal deficit to keep their European aspirations alive. The outcome of this match will determine whether OFI progresses to the prestigious League Phase of the Europa League.