The Azerbaijani side Creates History with Stunning Triumph Versus Benfica
A team from Azerbaijan had not once won in the UEFA’s elite competition prior to Qarabag's stunning result against Benfica.
Qarabag produced a remarkable comeback facing Benfica to establish a historic moment and become the first Azerbaijani club to claim victory in a Champions League group stage fixture.
Earning their place for the continent’s top club tournament for the first time in eight years, Qarabag FK found themselves confronted with a 2-0 deficit after just 16 minutes after goals from Enzo Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis.
The Azerbaijan champions reduced the deficit on the 30-minute point through a superb Leandro Andrade finish before colleague Borges rattled the base of the post.
A short while after the interval, the Azerbaijani visitors shut up the home stadium with the equalizing goal. Jankovic’s perfect pass found Camilo Duran and he skillfully found the back of the net on his first UCL appearance.
Substitute Kashchuk got the landmark match-winner with just minutes from time, collecting the ball up with his back facing the net before finishing expertly on the turn.
Qarabag players and staff fell to the ground in elation at the end of the match after a win that will be recorded in European football annals, with their last participation finishing with two draws and losses.
Up next for the Azerbaijani champions is a fixture at their own stadium with Copenhagen, while the Eagles make the journey to Stamford Bridge.
Related Themes
- European Football
- UEFA Champions League
- Football
