The first upset of the UEFA Champions League is officially recorded, with Azerbaijan’s Qarabag achieving their maiden victory in the competition with a tense 3-2 win against Benfica on Tuesday.
Benfica, which featured in last season’s Champions League round of 16, quickly went ahead with a 2-0 lead, thanks to early goals from Enzo Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis, and looked set for a straightforward win. However, Qarabag initiated an impressive comeback starting with a goal from Leandro Andrade in the 30th minute. By the 48th minute, they equalized with a strike from Camilo Duran and eventually took the lead in the 86th minute, with Oleksiy Kashchuk scoring the decisive goal.
The turn ✨ the finish 💥 Oleksii Kashchuk delivers an 85th minute winner for Qarabağ 👏
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This win marks a monumental achievement for Qarabag, making them the first team from Azerbaijan to win in the Champions League after a long flight from Baku to Lisbon. This notable victory contributes to Qarabag’s growing reputation as a competitive force in this season’s Champions League.
How did Qarabag beat Benfica?
Qarabag dominated possession early on, yet Benfica’s two quick goals forced them to play catch-up. However, they responded with their first chance on Andrade’s 30th-minute goal, ending the half with a slight statistical advantage. At halftime, Qarabag had outshot Benfica six to five, with an expected goal count of 1.15 over Benfica’s 0.66.
Leandro Andrade drills one in for Qarabağ 💥
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In the second half, Benfica took control for a stretch, attempting nine shots but lacking precision. This underperformance ultimately led to Kashchuk’s game-winning goal late in the match.
Marko Janković with the vision, Camilo Durán with the Qarabağ equalizer 🎯
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Who’s on Qarabag’s team?
Qarabag’s lineup is primarily comprised of Azerbaijani talent, supplemented by several international players, including Andrade. The Cape Verdean, who developed in the academy of Benfica’s rival, Sporting Lisbon, was their leading scorer last season and has already netted three goals this term.
The team is helmed by Gurban Gurbanov, Azerbaijan’s record goal-scorer, who has managed the squad since 2008.
How did Qarabag qualify for the Champions League?
They advanced to the league phase after overcoming teams like Shelbourne, Shkendija, and Ferencvaros.
What is Qarabag’s history in European competition?
Qarabag, winners of the Azerbaijan Premier League twelve times and dominant since 2013-14, became the first Azerbaijani team to reach the Champions League group stage in the 2017-18 season. They have frequently entered the UEFA Europa League, reaching the knockout stages twice.
Qarabag’s remaining Champions League schedule
- Matchday 2: Copenhagen (h)
- Matchday 3: Athletic Club (a)
- Matchday 4: Chelsea (h)
- Matchday 5: Napoli (a)
- Matchday 6: Ajax (h)
- Matchday 7: Eintracht Frankfurt (h)
- Matchday 8: Liverpool (a)
