Qarabag Beat Copenhagen: Champions League Drama & Pitch Woes!

Qarabag FK secured a vital Champions League victory against FC Copenhagen, marking a historic moment for Azerbaijani football. They became the first Azerbaijani team to achieve back-to-back Champions League wins. The match, however, was not without its drama, both on and off the pitch.

Qarabag's Triumph on the Field

The home side dominated much of the first half, with Captain Abdellah Zoubir opening the scoring in the 28th minute after Pedro Bicalho's shot hit the woodwork. Copenhagen threatened with a counter-attack led by Mohamed Elyounoussi, but his shot went wide. Qarabag sealed the win in the 83rd minute when substitute Emmanuel Addai fired a shot into the bottom corner.

Copenhagen showed resilience after the break, with Jordan Larsson forcing a save with a header and Gabriel Pereira hitting the crossbar just before Addai's goal. Despite the visitors' efforts, Qarabag held on for a well-deserved victory.

Coach's Concerns: 'Holes in the Pitch'

FC Copenhagen's coach, Jacob Neestrup, expressed concerns about the pitch conditions in Baku. He noted the poor state of the playing surface, stating, "There are holes in the pitch." Neestrup acknowledged that the conditions were the same for both teams but emphasized that adapting to the pitch would be a crucial factor in the match.

Despite the concerns, Neestrup insisted that the pitch conditions should not be an excuse for his team. He maintained a positive outlook, stating that his team aimed to secure at least a point from the away match. He also expressed respect for Qarabag, highlighting their attacking prowess and experience in European competitions.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Qarabag continues their Champions League journey, while Copenhagen will need to regroup and address the issues raised by their coach. The focus now shifts to their upcoming fixtures and how they will navigate the challenges ahead.