The Azerbaijani side Writes A Historic Moment with Sensational Win Against Benfica
An outfit from Azerbaijan had never triumphed in the UEFA’s elite competition before Qarabag's memorable performance versus Benfica.
The visitors executed a sensational comeback facing Benfica to make history and emerge as the first Azerbaijani side to claim victory in a Champions League group stage encounter.
Having qualified for the continent’s top club tournament for the first time in eight years, the team managed by Gurbanov found themselves facing a 2-0 deficit after merely 16 minutes after goals from Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis.
Qarabag cut the deficit on the half-hour mark through a fine Leandro Andrade finish before fellow player Kady Borges rattled the foot of the post.
Just moments after the break, the Azerbaijani visitors silenced the Lisbon arena with the equalizing goal. Marko Jankovic's defence-splitting pass found Duran and he skillfully found the back of the net on his first UCL appearance.
Substitute Oleksii Kashchuk got the historic winning goal late from time, receiving the ball up with his back to goal before finishing expertly on the turn.
The team and coaching staff fell to the ground in celebration at the conclusion after a win that will be recorded in UCL folklore, with their last participation finishing with two draws and losses.
Coming up for Gurbanov and his team is a fixture at their own stadium with Copenhagen, while Benfica head to Chelsea.
Related Themes
- European Football
- UEFA Champions League
- Football