Qarabağ FK pulls off incredible comeback to repeat 3:1 victory in Budapest One step from Champions League Group Stage

Last evening, Groupama Arena in Budapest witnessed a true sense of déjà vu. It was here three years ago that Qarabağ FK defeated the local Ferencváros 3:1 in the third qualifying round of the Champions League, securing their spot in the playoff (the first leg in Baku had ended 1:1).

Now, in the playoff round, the Agdam team faced Ferencváros again, and even the most optimistic fans could hardly have imagined that the match would end with the exact same score. Yet it did—Qarabağ won 3:1, not only repeating history but also pulling off an incredible comeback.

The hosts struck first—Varga put the ball past Mateusz Kochalski in the 29th minute, and the teams went into halftime with the Hungarian club leading. Most frustratingly, the score did not reflect the game—Gurban Gurbanov’s side completely dominated the field. But a lack of finishing ability had been haunting Qarabağ for several matches—they squandered countless chances without converting them.

Fortunately, everything changed in the second half. The Kadi–Medina–Janković trio took control of the midfield, repeatedly “terrorising” the opponent’s defence with razor-sharp attacks. The equaliser was inevitable, and it came from Janković’s precise strike in the 50th minute. Then, in the 67th minute, Medina scored following a corner delivered by Kadi.

For the final flourish, Musa Gurbanlı netted what may be the most important goal of his career. Returning from an unsuccessful stint in Sweden, Musa had struggled to find his form and repeatedly faced fair journalistic criticism. But coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute, he scored just three minutes later—once again assisted by Kadi—effectively turning the return leg into a mere formality. After all, Qarabağ would have to make a monumental effort to lose at home by a larger margin than their triumph in Budapest.

There is little doubt that the Agdam players, led by their charismatic coach, will seize the opportunity to play in the Champions League group stage once again—a chance they have waited eight years for. Previously, Qarabağ only reached the group stage once, in 2017. Now, only one step remains, and after such a thrilling and emotional night, few in Azerbaijan doubt that Qarabağ will succeed.

Wouldn’t you agree, gentlemen?

Vugar Vugarli, exclusively for Caliber.Az