Qarabağ, CSKA Sofia begin Europa League qualifying showdown

Azerbaijani champions Qarabağ have begun their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round campaign with a home clash against Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.

The first-leg encounter is taking place at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, with Italian FIFA referee Daniele Chiffi appointed to oversee the match, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The return fixture is scheduled for 30 July in Sofia, where the tie will be decided.

The winners of the two-legged contest will advance to face either Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova or Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel in the next qualifying round of the competition.

By Aghakazim Guliyev