Qarabag: Why Minnows Are Catching the Eye in Europe This Season

Qarabag’s Rise in European Football

In a tale of persistence and unexpected success, Azerbaijan’s Qarabag are defying expectations once again as they prepare to face English giants Chelsea in their Champions League group stage on Wednesday. This match is not just any ordinary encounter; it marks the 4^th November 2025 edition where Qarabag seeks to break through and secure a significant victory that would be their most notable win since joining European competitions eight years ago.

A Shocking Debut and Steady Growth

Qarabag’s journey in the Champions League began with a humiliating defeat at the hands of Chelsea, losing 6-0 away from home during the 2017–18 season. However, this team has since transformed, earning respect for their tactical approach and organizational skills under the guidance of manager Gurbanov, who has been at the helm for an impressive 17 years.

Defying Expectations in Recent Seasons

In this current Champions League campaign, Qarabag have managed to secure six points from three league phase matches, making a compelling case that they should not be underestimated. Their most notable achievement came against Benfica last season when they staged an extraordinary comeback, winning 3-2 after being two goals down. This victory led to the sacking of Bruno Lage and the appointment of Jose Mourinho at Benfica.

Home Ground Advantage

The Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku is expected to be packed with a sold-out crowd of 32,000 fans on matchday. This venue holds significant historical value as it was built in 1939 and named after the linesman who awarded Geoff Hurst’s famous goal for England against West Germany during the 1966 World Cup final. The home advantage is crucial for Qarabag, who are second behind Union Saint-Gilloise for ball recoveries this term and second behind Pafos for clearances.

Manager Gurbanov’s Longevity

Gurbanov’s 17-year tenure as manager of Qarabag has seen the club develop significantly. Known for securing landmark wins in Europe, he is arguably Azerbaijan’s most prominent footballing figure. His team has claimed 11 out of the last 12 league titles, earning them the nickname “the Barcelona of the Caucasus.” Despite this success, Gurbanov remains humble, emphasizing that any win would be a testament to their ability to adapt and overcome challenges.

Pragmatic Approach in European Competitions

Qarabag’s style is characterized by pragmatism rather than dominance. They are second behind Union Saint-Gilloise for ball recoveries this term and second behind Pafos for clearances, indicating a focus on defensive solidity. Their squad, valued at under £22m with an average of less than £1m per player, has managed to secure key foreign talents like Leandro Andrade, Marko Jankovic, and Abdellah Zoubir.

Challenges Ahead

While Qarabag’s domestic dominance is a testament to their capabilities, the gap between them and top European clubs remains significant. Despite this, Gurbanov remains optimistic about the possibility of upsetting Chelsea. “To be honest,” he said in an interview with BBC Sport, “they are a very good team. Well organised, very intense in the way they press and work together as a team.”

Conclusion

Qarabag’s journey from being labeled as “carrier bags” to challenging European giants like Chelsea is a remarkable one. Their upcoming clash offers an exciting narrative of underdogs versus champions, with the potential for history to be made at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium on 4^th November 2025. Whether Qarabag can pull off the shock result remains to be seen, but their persistent efforts and tactical acumen have certainly caught the eye of European football enthusiasts.