A narrow victory in Baku

Qarabağ – Shelbourne (Ireland) - 1:0

John Martin, 44’ (own goal)

First leg – 3:0

Qarabağ played the second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round, hosting Irish side Shelbourne.

Head coach Gurban Gurbanov started the match at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium with the following XI: 99. Mateusz Kochalski, 13. Bahlul Mustafazade, 81. Kevin Medina, 2. Mateus Silva, 44. Elvin Jafarguliyev, 35. Pedro Bicalho, 20. Kady Borges, 11. Emmanuel Addai, 15. Leandro Andrade, 10. Abdellah Zoubir (c), 90. Nariman Akhundzade.

From the first minutes, Qarabağ took control of the match. As the game progressed, our players increasingly pushed Shelbourne back and sought goals with intricate passing. The Irish side defended deep and tried to keep a clean sheet, but Qarabağ still managed to create dangerous chances. Notably, Kady Borges tested the goalkeeper several times with powerful shots from long range.

Towards the end of the first half, Qarabağ increased the pressure and managed to score just before the break. Kady made a brilliant run down the left wing and delivered a cross into the box, which deflected off a defender and ended up in the net.

Although the visitors showed some energy early in the second half, Qarabağ regained control as time went on and had several opportunities to extend the lead. However, they were unable to capitalize at crucial moments. In the 68th minute, Kady Borges missed a penalty.

Qarabağ maintained their dominance in the closing stages and secured a 1-0 victory. With a 4-0 aggregate score over the two legs, Qarabağ advanced to the third qualifying round of the Champions League. This marks the 12th consecutive season Qarabağ has reached the main stage of European competitions.

It should be noted that the third qualifying round matches of the Champions League will be held on August 5–6 and 12.