Qarabağ’s fateful ten minutes How Twente turned the tie around 

Just a few days ago, Azerbaijani football was celebrating: Sabah FC thrashed Hapoel Be’er Sheva to reach the main stage of the Champions League for the first time. It seemed that the European campaign would continue in the same vein thanks to Qarabağ, who were just one step away from reaching the Conference League main stage after an away win over Twente. In the decisive match in Baku, the Aghdam side held on to their advantage until almost the end of regulation time. However, the game unexpectedly turned into a dramatic showdown and ended with the hosts suffering defeat in extra time.

Already in the first half, it was clear that Twente had not come to Baku merely to defend the result from the first leg. The Dutch side applied pressure and looked for opportunities to change the course of the tie. However, neither team managed to score before the break.

In the 59th minute, Qarabağ gave the packed stands at the Tofig Bahramov Stadium exactly what they had been waiting for. Following a perfectly weighted pass from Musa Gurbanli, Kady found the back of the net for Twente, sending the stadium into a frenzy. Just days after Sabah’s triumph, the football arena once again witnessed a major celebration.

At that moment, it seemed that Qarabağ had taken a decisive step toward the next round. The Aghdam side were not only ahead in the match but also maintained their aggregate advantage. However, the final stages of regulation time completely changed the script.

In the final ten minutes, the Dutch club scored twice against Qarabağ. The aggregate score was level, forcing the tie into extra time. During the extra period, Twente managed to capitalise on both its psychological and on-field advantage, scoring two more goals. The final goal was particularly painful for us.

As a result, Qarabağ failed to reach the main stage of the Conference League and brought its European campaign to an end.

The reasons for this outcome should not be sought solely in this particular match. Following the team’s impressive run in last season’s Champions League, the squad underwent significant changes, with several key players who had shaped its style of play and brought extensive international experience leaving the club.

For a revamped squad, such a transition inevitably takes time — both to integrate new players and to develop new on-field connections. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the role of Gurban Gurbanov, who over the years has repeatedly succeeded in rebuilding Qarabağ following the departure of key players.

With all due respect to Twente, they are not a European powerhouse. But matches like this show just how important concentration and consistency are throughout the entire game. Qarabağ came very close to victory, which makes the defeat all the more painful.

Now, the team must learn from this match and turn its focus to the domestic league, where the season continues for the Aghdam side.

The European campaign is over, but one defeat does not erase Qarabağ’s achievements in recent years. The team will still have an opportunity to make amends on the domestic stage and continue pursuing ambitious goals.

And so, it is time to move forward.

By Vugar Vugarli, exclusively for Caliber.Az