The Azerbaijani side Creates History with Stunning Triumph Versus Benfica
A club from Azerbaijan had never won in the UEFA’s elite competition prior to Qarabag's memorable performance versus Benfica.
Qarabag executed a remarkable recovery facing Benfica to make a historic moment and become the very first Azerbaijani team to triumph in a Champions League main draw fixture.
Having qualified for Europe's premier competition for the first time in almost a decade, the team managed by Gurbanov found themselves facing a 2-0 deficit after just 16 minutes following goals from Enzo Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis.
The Azerbaijan champions cut the lead on the half-hour mark through a fine Leandro Andrade finish before fellow player Borges rattled the foot of the post.
Just moments after the half-time, Qarabag stunned the Lisbon arena with the equalizing goal. Marko Jankovic's perfect pass found Camilo Duran and he expertly found the far post on his maiden European outing.
Off-the-bench player Oleksii Kashchuk got the landmark winning goal five minutes from time, collecting the ball up with his back to goal before scoring brilliantly on the turn.
Everyone associated with Qarabag fell to the ground in celebration at the final whistle after a triumph that will be recorded in Champions League history, with their earlier attempt ending with a pair of ties and defeats.
Up next for Qarabag is a match in Baku with the Danish side, while the Portuguese outfit make the journey to Stamford Bridge.
Related Topics
- European Football
- UEFA Champions League
- Football
