Qarabag Shock Benfica! Historic Champions League Comeback Rocks Lisbon
History was made at the Estadio da Luz as Qarabag produced a comeback that nobody saw coming. For the first time in eight years, the Azerbaijan champions returned to the Champions League main draw – and they did it in unforgettable style.
Facing Benfica, Qarabag were hit hard early. Just 16 minutes in, Enzo Barrenechea and Vangelis Pavlidis struck to put the hosts 2-0 up. The dream looked over before it had even started.
Can Qarabag Turn It Around?
Most expected Qarabag to crumble, but Gurban Gurbanov’s side refused to quit. At the half-hour mark, Leandro Andrade fired in a superb finish to halve the deficit. The momentum was shifting – and Kady Borges came agonizingly close, hitting the foot of the post. The stadium held its breath.
Champions League Debuts Shine!
The second half brought magic. Just three minutes after the restart, Marko Jankovic’s defence-splitting pass found Camilo Duran. On his Champions League debut, Duran slotted calmly to the far post, silencing the Benfica fans and sending the Qarabag players into wild celebration. 2-2. Could they really pull this off?
The Historic Winner!
Yes, they could – and they did. Substitute Oleksii Kashchuk stepped up five minutes from time. With his back to goal, he turned brilliantly and finished with deadly precision. The Qarabag bench erupted. The players dropped to their knees. History was theirs. Qarabag had done what no Azerbaijani side had ever done: win a Champions League main draw match.
Benfica Stunned, Qarabag Soar!
Benfica could only watch in shock as Qarabag claimed a famous victory. For a team that struggled last campaign with two draws and four losses, this was a statement. The confidence, the skill, and the belief were all there.
What’s Next for Qarabag?
Next up is a home clash with Copenhagen – another chance to show Europe they belong. Benfica, meanwhile, travel to Chelsea looking to bounce back. Qarabag’s historic night will be remembered for years, but can they keep this momentum going in their next match?
The question now is simple: will Qarabag continue their dream run, or was this a one-night miracle?
