The Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku braces for a thrilling encounter Qarabag vs Braga in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout-stage playoff on Thursday. The home side hold a commanding 4-2 lead after a stunning victory in Portugal last week, but Braga will be desperate to stage a comeback and keep their European dreams alive.
Few expected the drama that unfolded in the first leg when Qarabag stunned Braga on their own soil. The 4-2 victory was orchestrated by 32-year-old midfielder Abdellah Zoubir, who bagged a brace and set up another, etching his name in Azeri football history. This remarkable triumph extended Qarabag's unbeaten streak to 15 games across all competitions, solidifying their position atop the Azerbaijan Premier League table.
Braga, seeking redemption after the first-leg setback, secured a narrow 2-1 win over Farense in the Portuguese Primeira Liga on Sunday. However, their away form remains a concern, with three defeats in their last four outings since the new year. Manager Artur Jorge hopes this weekend's victory can serve as a confidence booster, but Braga's road woes leave them with an uphill battle.
Braga face a daunting task, needing a two-goal victory to overcome the deficit. Despite their inconsistent form, they cannot be underestimated. However, Qarabag with their impressive home record and current momentum suggest they will likely hold on for a draw vs Braga and secure a historic qualification to the next stage of the Europa League.
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