Four-Goal Thriller in Bilbao

Athletic (Spain) – Qarabağ – 3:1
Gorka Guruzeta, 40, 88; Roberto Navarro, 70 – Leandro Andrade, 1

Qarabağ played its third match in the UEFA Champions League group stage, visiting Spain’s Athletic Club.

Head coach Qurban Qurbanov fielded the following starting lineup for the match in Bilbao:
99. Mateusz Kochalski, 44. Elvin Jafarguliyev, 81. Kevin Medina, 13. Bahlul Mustafazade, 2. Mateus Silva, 35. Pedro Bicalho, 20. Kady Borges, 15. Leandro Andrade, 10. Abdellah Zoubir (c), 17. Camilo Duran, 7. Nariman Akhundzade.

Our players made a fantastic start at the “San Mamés” stadium. Qarabağ opened the scoring as early as the 1st minute — taking advantage of a defensive mix-up, Leandro Andrade went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Even after the goal, our team continued to play bravely against a strong opponent. As both sides played fast-paced football, dangerous moments frequently appeared at both ends of the pitch. Just before halftime, the home team managed to equalize.

The second half also unfolded in an attacking manner from both teams. Each side created several chances, but Athletic proved more clinical, scoring two more goals to seal a 3:1 victory.

After three rounds, Qarabağ have collected 6 points.

It should be noted that Qarabağ’s next Champions League match will take place on November 5, when they host English club Chelsea at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45.