Qarabag Overcomes Ferencvaros to Return to Champions League
Qarabag qualifies for the Champions League main draw after beating Ferencvaros 5-4 on aggregate. Despite losing the second leg, Qarabag advances to the group stage.
The momentum of the match shifted dramatically in the final 20 minutes of the first half...
Qarabag has successfully returned to the UEFA Champions League after an eight-year absence, despite losing the second leg of the playoff against Ferencvaros. The team managed to qualify for the main draw with a 5-4 aggregate score, showcasing their determination and skill. This marks a significant milestone for Qarabag, as they aim to make a strong impression in the prestigious tournament.
In the second leg, Qarabag knew they had to start strong to overcome their two-goal deficit from the first match. They indeed got off to a fast start, with Nəriman Axundzadə having an early opportunity that unfortunately missed the target by a hair's breadth. Despite the loss in the second leg, Qarabag's overall performance was enough to secure their spot in the Champions League main draw.
Félix Kanouté's pass found Barnabás Varga, who cleverly played a through ball to Lenny Joseph. Joseph then slotted the ball into an empty net, giving the Hungarian side a 1-0 lead after a VAR check confirmed Varga's onside position. This decisive moment came just 12 minutes into the match.
In the same match, Varga had another chance to score. His outstretched right boot directed Jonathan Levi's free-kick into the area, but it narrowly sailed wide of the right post. Varga has been in excellent form this term, scoring five goals in the Champions League so far. His performance continues to be a significant threat to opposing teams.
FT: #LudogoretsQarabag 2️⃣-7️⃣#UCL 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/Vnd3ABbc4J
— Qarabağ FK English (@FKQarabaghEN) August 13, 2024
The momentum of the match shifted dramatically in the final 20 minutes of the first half. Qarabag's Axundzadə made a crucial play, breaking into the area and delivering a precise square pass to Leandro Andrade. Andrade seized the opportunity, firing a shot into the bottom right-hand corner of the net. This goal marked a significant turning point in the match, altering the course of the game.
Just before halftime, Andrade made a dynamic run into the box, delivering a precise square pass to Abdellah Zoubir, who calmly slotted the ball into the net. This goal put the hosts in a commanding position, leveraging the momentum shift in their favor.
The second half began similarly to the first, with Ferencvaros needing a strong start to regain ground. Their efforts paid off 10 minutes into the second half when Barnabás Varga converted a penalty, reigniting the away side's hopes with over 30 minutes remaining. This renewed their interest in the match, setting the stage for a tense finish.
Qarabağ are through to the Champions League proper ✅#UCL pic.twitter.com/4s87HgSz3h
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 27, 2025
Ferencvaros mounted a late comeback, with Alex Tóth scoring a crucial goal with 10 minutes remaining. However, it wasn't enough to overturn the deficit from the first leg, which ultimately proved costly. Despite the valiant effort, the Greens fell short of securing a spot in the Champions League main draw, marking a disappointing end to their campaign.
Qarabag, on the other hand, celebrated a historic night as they secured their place in the Champions League main draw. Despite losing the second leg 3-2, their 5-4 aggregate score was enough to book their spot in Europe's premier club competition. This achievement marked a significant milestone for the team, highlighting their determination and perseverance.
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