Qarabag, the team set to face Benfica in the upcoming Champions League league phase, finally tasted victory in their home league. They secured their first win of the Azerbaijani championship this past Sunday. The match, part of the second round, saw them triumph over Karvan with a 2-0 scoreline on Karvan’s home turf.
This win was a good confidence boost for the Azeri champions. It came at a key moment, just before their big European debut. The game saw Portuguese player VÃtor Rosa on the field for Karvan, starting in their eleven. Qarabag got on the scoreboard first, thanks to an own goal. Elvin Yunuszada mistakenly put the ball in his own net just 11 minutes into the game.
The victory was then sealed later in the match. Ghanaian player Emmanuel Addai found the back of the net in the 73rd minute. His goal confirmed the 2-0 win. This result helps Qarabag start building some momentum.
Despite the win, Qarabag still has some ground to make up in their domestic league. They currently sit in sixth place with three points. They also have one game in hand. The team trails the leading trio—Zira, Araz, and Sumqayit—by seven points. They are also one point behind Karvan. However, all eyes are now turning to their significant challenge abroad. Qarabag will visit the Estádio da Luz on September 16. That match marks the first game of the Champions League league phase against Benfica.