Idman.biz
Eight years ago, Qarabağ achieved a historic success by winning their first point in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Idman.Biz recalls that on October 18, 2017, Gurban Gurbanov's team drew 0:0 with Madrid's Atletico in Baku as part of the third round of the group stage.
The Aghdam representative finished the match with one player less - Dino Ndlovu, who received a second yellow card in the 75th minute, was sent off.
It should be reminded that in that season, in addition to the Spanish opponent, London's Chelsea and Italy's Roma were also opponents of Qarabağ. The Azerbaijani champion scored two points in their debut in the main stage of the Champions League, winning both points in meetings with Atletico. After the draw in Baku, the teams also drew 1:1 in Madrid. In that match, Spanish footballer Michel Madeyra distinguished himself in the 40th minute as part of Qarabağ.
It should be noted that of the squad that first participated in the Champions League group stage for Qarabağ that season, only two players remain in the team - Badavi Huseynov and Ramil Sheydaev. In addition, Ramil, who was in reserve at that time, was not included in the application form in the Champions League this season. Ramil returned to the team on September 18 of this year.
Eight years later, Qarabağ started the Champions League group stage with maximum confidence. After two rounds, the team scored six points, winning against Benfica (3:2) and Copenhagen (2:0).
The Aghdam club will face Spain's Athletic Bilbao away on October 22 in the third round of the Champions League 2025/26 group stage.
Teymur Tushiyev
