Idman.biz
"It was a difficult game. It's always very hard to play here."
Idman.biz reports that this was stated by "Shamakhi" goalkeeper Ricardo Fernandes in his statement to Telegraf after the first-round match of the Azerbaijan Premier League, which they drew 1:1 with "Neftchi" on the road.
The Portuguese goalkeeper stated that the match was difficult: "They have a strong team this season and play very good football. "Shamakhi", on the other hand, showed great determination and character, which can bring good results."
He touched on the episode in the 45+2nd minute when he failed to save the penalty kick taken by "Neftchi" captain Emin Mahmudov: "Last season, Emin hit the penalty to the left side in this stadium, and I was very close to saving the ball. I thought he would shoot to the same side again this season, but he changed direction. I congratulate Emin."
The 31-year-old goalkeeper was remembered for saving a dangerous shot in the 90+4th minute. "Shamakhi's" goalkeeper assessed that episode as a decisive moment: "Such small details can change the fate of the game."
Fernandes also spoke about his role in the team: "I'm just trying to do my job to help my club. There is no need to talk much about it. My goal is to benefit the team like everyone else on the field. Today, all the players fought and tried to help the team as well as possible."
It should be noted that Ricardo Fernandes extended his contract with "Shamakhi" until June 2027 on April 4.
Idman.biz
