A confident and composed performance saw Qarabağ FK secure a vital 1-0 home win over North Macedonian side Shkëndija in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round. With both teams eyeing a spot in the prestigious UCL group stage, this tightly contested match delivered tactical discipline, VAR drama, and standout goalkeeping on both ends.
This marks Qarabağ’s ninth consecutive win, all without conceding – a remarkable run that underlines their defensive solidity and Champions League ambitions.
🔍 First Half Breakdown: VAR Drama and Penalty Redemption
The opening minutes of the match were cagey, with both sides cautious not to concede early. However, the moment of real drama came in the 18th minute. A seemingly routine free-kick turned pivotal after VAR upgraded Ronaldo Webster’s challenge to a penalty.
Despite recent struggles from the spot, Toral Bayramov showed nerves of steel, slamming the ball into the top corner. His goal not only gave Qarabağ the lead but also broke their penalty curse – a big psychological boost.
Shkëndija reacted quickly with Besart Ibraimi and Endrit Krasniqi testing Qarabağ goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski, but the Polish shot-stopper was in excellent form, keeping the visitors at bay.
🔥 End-to-End Action Before the Break
The tempo surged after the goal, with Kady Borges and Krasniqi coming close at either end. Qarabağ’s Abdellah Zoubir nearly doubled the lead, only to be denied by a brilliant stop from Baboucarr Gaye, who was equally resilient in goal for Shkëndija.
Despite the pressure, Qarabağ held firm to enter half-time with a slim but valuable advantage.
🧤 Second Half: Goalkeepers Steal the Show
The second half was a tactical tug-of-war. Fabrice Tamba came close for Shkëndija, forcing another reflex save from Kochalski, as the visitors pushed for an equalizer.
Zoubir was again at the center of Qarabağ’s attacking efforts, but Gaye denied him in style late in the game. Both goalkeepers put on a show, with Ibraimi and Zoubir trading late efforts, only to be frustrated by top-tier shot-stopping.
📊 Key Takeaways
- Qarabağ extend their unbeaten record against North Macedonian teams to six matches.
- Toral Bayramov’s penalty could prove decisive heading into the second leg.
- Goalkeepers Kochalski and Gaye were the standout performers, keeping the scoreline tight.
- With nine straight wins and nine clean sheets, Qarabağ look poised to reach the playoff round.
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🏁 What’s Next?
With Qarabağ holding a 1-0 advantage, the second leg promises fireworks. Shkëndija will be desperate to level the tie at home, but Qarabağ’s away form and rock-solid defense may prove too strong.
Stay tuned for more UEFA Champions League updates – your one-stop news for all things European football!
