In Bulgaria they know: "CSKA escaped from hell". The star complimented Maccabi Tel Aviv

Despite a wonderful performance provided this Thursday on Bulgarian soil, Maccabi Tel Aviv was eliminated from the Europa League qualifiers and will continue its path in the Conference League playoffs. The Yellows won 1:3 against CSKA Sofia, but lost 4:3 on aggregate following the 3:0 defeat last week in Batumi. In order to ensure a hot winter in Europe, Maccabi Tel Aviv must now overcome Lugano in the playoff stage, with the first leg in Switzerland next Thursday and the return leg hosted by the Cup holder in Georgia in two weeks.

In Bulgaria, there was a collective sigh of relief after CSKA Sofia's advancement to the playoff stage of the Europa League qualifiers.

"CSKA went through hell against Maccabi Tel Aviv, but managed to stand up to the task," local media reported after the 1:3 victory, which proved insufficient for the Yellows due to the first-leg deficit.

Stefano Sensi, who scored the goal that narrowed the gap for CSKA and eventually secured a ticket to the next stage, said of Maccabi Tel Aviv: "It's a matter of physicality and psychology. Maccabi Tel Aviv knew they had to come back from a three-goal deficit; they had nothing to lose. We knew it could happen, but we were ready for this battle. This is a very good team with quality players. There were moments we suffered, but we stayed together, and the most important thing is that we won and are moving on. We deserved it."

Regarding his goal, the Italian added: "I am happy about the goal because it came in a difficult situation when they were attacking us very well. The only negative thing is that they scored shortly after, but that's football. I am very happy with the qualification. Our fans are great; they create an extraordinary atmosphere. We can only thank them and ask them to continue in the same way."

Coach Hristo Yanev expressed pride: "This is a great achievement. I remember where we were a year ago. I congratulate the team, the club, and everyone who supported and believed in us. This was the owner's goal—for CSKA to play in Europe."

About Maccabi Tel Aviv, he said: "They were better than us in many ways and made it difficult for us. We couldn't do what we did last week. This is a game from which we can gain experience. We were lucky enough to eliminate two very strong teams whose experience was greater than ours."