The Azerbaijani side Makes History with Remarkable Triumph Against Benfica

Qarabag produced a remarkable fightback against Benfica to make a historic moment and become the first Azerbaijani team to claim victory in a UEFA Champions League group stage encounter.

After securing qualification for Europe's premier competition for the first time in almost a decade, Qarabag FK found themselves facing a 2-0 deficit after just 16 minutes after goals from Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis.

Qarabag cut the gap on the first half’s midway point through a excellent Leandro Andrade finish before fellow player Kady Borges rattled the base of the post.

A short while after the interval, the Azerbaijani visitors silenced the Estadio da Luz with the tying strike. Marko Jankovic's defence-splitting pass found Duran and he brilliantly found the back of the net on his first UCL appearance.

Off-the-bench player Oleksii Kashchuk got the memorable decisive strike late from time, receiving the ball up with his back to goal before converting brilliantly on the turn.

Qarabag players and staff celebrated emotionally in elation at the end of the match after a victory that will be remembered in UCL folklore, with their earlier attempt concluding with a pair of ties and defeats.

Next on the agenda for Gurbanov and his team is a home tie with FC Copenhagen, while the Eagles make the journey to the London club.

Connected Themes

• European Football
• UEFA Champions League
• Football