Today, the match between “Qarabağ” – “Chelsea” will be held as part of the 4th round of the UEFA Champions League group stage. The match, which will take place at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, will start at 21:45.
It should be noted that the match will be officiated by referees from Austria.
"Azerbaijani fans are not very optimistic about the match against "Chelsea". Many believe that "Chelsea", one of England's and the world's most prominent teams, will defeat "Qarabağ". This is not without reason:
8 years ago, “Chelsea” scored 6 unanswered goals against “Qarabağ” in a Champions League home game. The English also won the return match in Baku with a score of 4:0.
So, what do experts think about today's game?
In a statement to Modern.az, renowned coach Aghasalim Mirjavadov stated that "Qarabağ" will demonstrate the necessary performance with its own tactics:
"When a strong, renowned team comes, we are used to saying, “It's over, we lost.” But even a strong club has its weaknesses and points. This should not be forgotten. “Qarabağ” is not a weak team; it is one of the well-known clubs in Europe. Our footballers have forced everyone to respect “Qarabağ” with their play.
I watch games in the Champions League. Yesterday, I watched “Liverpool” face “Real Madrid”. Two big teams were fighting for points during the game, not focusing on their own play. Every club has its own tactics. There are individual players in the club who resolve the issues. It was a competitive game, but not very entertaining.
In today's game, “Qarabağ” will play with its own tactics. Some experts say that “Qarabağ” will play with 5 defenders today. However, there is a big difference between playing with 5 defenders and 4 defenders. Since I worked at “Qarabağ” until today, the club has not played with 5 defenders. They play very well with 4 defenders; the players understand each other perfectly. Therefore, we should enjoy today's game because we have invited a team like “Chelsea” to Azerbaijan".
A. Mirjavadov emphasized that "Qarabağ" needs points:
"I understand that the boys will fight and play real football. “Qarabağ” lost to “Athletic Bilbao”, but they scored a goal, created scoring opportunities, yet it didn't work out. I want the team to demonstrate real football. In that case, points will also come. Therefore, in today's game, our fans should help “Qarabağ” immensely. The weather has been rainy for two days. Rainy weather can also affect us. Because we are not used to playing in the rain. However, 50-60 percent of English Premier League games are played in the rain. This is also a condition. But I believe in “Qarabağ”'s players; they will increase their point reserves".
Renowned TV journalist and football commentator Rovshan Binnatli , however, stated that we are forced to see “Chelsea” as the favorite:
"There is desire, aspiration, and then there is reality. If we approach the issue from the perspective of reality, “Chelsea” is overwhelmingly superior to “Qarabağ” in all parameters. However, we have witnessed “Qarabağ”'s courage and worthy struggle in matches against strong opponents. The match against “Bayer Leverkusen” is an example of this, even though the predictions were different. Predictions and probabilities are often based on statistics. In reality, the struggle on the field can dictate a completely different scenario. Anything can happen on the field. If we consider the paths “Chelsea” and “Qarabağ” have taken and their current situation, naturally, we are forced to see “Chelsea” as the favorite. The English Premier League is the number one national championship in the world. “Chelsea” is also one of the league's "top teams". Accusing “Qarabağ” for losing to “Chelsea” is not the right approach. 8 years ago, “Chelsea” played against “Qarabağ", and our team lost. It is possible that the team will lose again this time, but I believe “Qarabağ” will be remembered for putting up a very worthy performance. Anything is possible. Without getting carried away by euphoria, we have witnessed numerous surprises. We might witness such a surprise now too. From a realistic perspective, the probability of “Chelsea” winning is considerably high in all parameters. However, there are also hopes for “Qarabağ” to at least put on a performance worthy of its name and the path it has taken so far".
The football commentator stated his belief that “Qarabağ” will ultimately succeed in its task of reaching the “top 24":
"Achieving a result by putting up a worthy fight against “Chelsea” is very important for “Qarabağ” in terms of increasing the team's self-confidence. “Qarabağ” already has 6 points. Statistics show that even 9, 10, or 11 points are enough to reach the “top 24”. This is because there are many draws. For this reason, such studies are conducted taking into account point losses, and it is believed that 10 points are sufficient to reach the “top 24". “Qarabağ” has 6 points, and there are opportunities to gain another 4-5 points. This is because we have 3 home games against other teams. It seems possible to reach that point in these games. As Gurban Gurbanov also stated, “Qarabağ” has achieved results not by retreating into a 5-man defense, but by playing its own game. “Qarabağ” is always a team that plays aggressively in a good sense. The most important issue is to reach the “top 24". Such a chance has arisen for “Qarabağ”.
I believe that “Qarabağ”'s goal is to gain points and advance to the next stages. Earning the right to continue competing in the Champions League would be a fantastic result for “Qarabağ”. The coaching staff and the team management are also carrying out their preparations with this in mind. Hopefully, the effort put in will not be in vain. I have faith that “Qarabağ” will ultimately succeed in its task of reaching the “top 24"".
