FC Qarabag make history by qualifying for UEFA Europa League last 16

23 fevral 2024 708

FC Qarabag have made history by becoming the first team from Azerbaijan to reach the UEFA Europa League Last 16 after defeating Portuguese club Braga 6-5 on aggregate after extra time in the second leg of the playoffs at Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku.

Despite facing the challenge of playing with 10 men after Elvin Jafarguliyev received a red card in the 57th minute, the Azerbaijan side took a commanding 4-2 advantage into the second leg.

Braga finished regular time of the second leg match 2-0, while Matheus Silva recaptured the lead for Qarabag, with Braga's Simon Banza leveling the aggregate once more with a goal from a penalty kick in the 115th minute.

However, Nariman Akhundzade dramatically sealed the tie with a 122th-minute strike to carry his team to the historic Round of 16.