Arif Asadov stated that "Gabala" is strong enough to surprise opponents

"Gabala" is strong enough to surprise any opponent.

This was stated by Arif Asadov, the former coach of the Azerbaijani national team, in his statement to "Report", while evaluating the first matches of the 1/4 final stage of the country's cup.

The experienced specialist said that most of the teams saved their strength for the return match:

"Since the 1/4 final stage consists of two games, we saw that some teams did not want to take risks in the first match. Thus, some clubs left the fate of the pair to the second game. In the "Sumgayit" - "Zira" game, the parties attacked, created dangerous attacks in front of the goals. But again, we saw that they did not want to lose their reserve. In the "Sabah" - "Gabala" match, some of the first team members were given rest. However, I would like to especially mention "Gabala". They have corrected their shortcomings in the first round and are playing very well. "Gabala" is strong enough to surprise any opponent. However, "Sabah" will put all its strength in the return match, despite being a visiting team, and will try not to allow any surprises."

Arif Asadov stated that the cautious approach was not limited to these games and was clearly demonstrated in other matches of the 1/4 finals as well:

In the "Shamakhi" - "Garabagh" match, the head coach of the guests, Gurban Gurbanov, also acted cautiously. It was expected that he would protect his main players for the game against "Newcastle" in the Champions League and would not let them on the field. The artificial surface of the field also gives reason to say this. Gurbanov probably did not want any member of the main team to be injured. This also shows that "Garabagh" believes that the fate of the pair will be decided in the return match. Of course, we cannot overshadow the victory of "Shamakhi". They were very willing and deservedly won.

In another game, "Turan Tovuz" won over "Kapaz". In general, the Tovuz team claims to win the national cup. "Turan Tovuz" was the favorite of the match. However, an interesting result from "Kapaz" is worth waiting for in the return match.

It should be noted that in the first matches of the 1/4 final stage of the Azerbaijan Cup, "Sabah" drew goalless with "Gabala", and "Sumgayit" with "Zira". "Shamakhi" defeated "Garabagh" 2:1 at home, and "Turan Tovuz" defeated "Kapaz" 1:0. The return matches of the 1/4 final stage will take place in early March.