In a match that had all the makings of a gritty European night, Qarabag FK secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over FC Copenhagen on Wednesday evening at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium. The Azerbaijani side, playing with the kind of determination that has defined their recent European campaigns, notched their second straight win in the Champions League group stage. This result marks a historic milestone—Qarabag becomes the first team from Azerbaijan to achieve back-to-back triumphs in the competition.
The game kicked off with Copenhagen pressing early, their Danish flair evident in the opening exchanges. However, Qarabag's defense held firm, absorbing the pressure and countering effectively. Indeed, the breakthrough came midway through the first half when a clinical strike from Olavio Juninho put the hosts ahead, much to the delight of the home crowd. Copenhagen, caught off guard, struggled to regain momentum, their attacks often fizzling out against a resolute backline.
Moreover, the second half saw Qarabag double their lead through another opportunistic goal, this time from Andrey Lunev's pinpoint delivery that found the net. Copenhagen's frustrations mounted, with several wayward shots failing to test the goalkeeper. It was a performance that highlighted Qarabag's growing confidence on the big stage, even if their play wasn't always pretty. For Copenhagen, the loss stings particularly after a mixed start to their campaign; they now sit precariously in the group standings, needing points desperately in upcoming fixtures.
Looking back, Qarabag's unbeaten run continues, building on their sensational comeback against Benfica in the opener. Yet, one can't help but note the fine margins in these matches— a slip here, a missed chance there, and the narrative could flip. As the Champions League grinds on, both clubs face the challenge of maintaining consistency amid tougher tests ahead.