The Azerbaijani side Makes History with Sensational Triumph Versus Benfica
A club from Azerbaijan had not once claimed victory in the Champions League before Qarabag's memorable performance versus Benfica.
Qarabag executed a sensational fightback against Benfica to establish history and become the very first Azerbaijani team to claim victory in a Champions League main draw encounter.
Earning their place for the continent’s top club tournament for the first time in eight years, Gurban Gurbanov's side found themselves confronted with a two-goal disadvantage after merely 16 minutes following goals from Barrenechea and Pavlidis.
Qarabag reduced the gap on the half-hour mark through a superb Andrade finish before colleague Kady Borges hit the base of the post.
A short while after the interval, the Azerbaijani visitors shut up the Lisbon arena with the leveller. Marko Jankovic's defence-splitting pass found Camilo Duran and he skillfully found the opposite corner on his Champions League debut.
Replacement Oleksii Kashchuk got the historic match-winner late from time, receiving the ball up with his back facing the net before finishing superbly on the turn.
The team and coaching staff celebrated emotionally in jubilation at the conclusion after a victory that will be recorded in Champions League history, with their previous campaign concluding with two draws and four losses.
Up next for Gurbanov and his team is a match in Baku with FC Copenhagen, while the Eagles travel to the London club.
Connected Subjects
- European Football
- UEFA Champions League
- Football
