Qarabag FK Stuns Ferencvárosi TC with Second-Half Surge in Champions League Qualifier
Groupama Arena, Budapest – August 19, 2025
In a dramatic UEFA Champions League qualifying clash, Qarabag FK delivered a stunning second-half performance to defeat Ferencvárosi TC 3–1 in the first leg of their playoff round matchup.
Ferencváros struck first in front of a home crowd, with Barnabás Varga finding the net in the 29th minute after a slick right-footed shot from outside the box. The Hungarian side looked poised to carry their momentum into the second half, but Qarabag had other plans.
The Azerbaijani champions roared back after the break, equalizing in the 49th minute through Marko Jankovic, who capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score. Just 17 minutes later, Kevin Medina gave Qarabag the lead with a well-placed header off a corner. The final blow came in the 84th minute when Musa Qurbanli sealed the victory, slotting home a third goal that silenced the Budapest faithful.
Despite having only 37% possession, Ferencváros struggled to convert their chances, while Qarabag dominated the midfield and controlled the tempo with 63% possession. The match also saw a flurry of late yellow cards, including cautions for Aleksandar Pesic and Gábor Szalai of Ferencváros.
With this win, Qarabag takes a commanding lead into the second leg, putting them one step closer to the Champions League group stage. Ferencváros will need a spirited comeback in the return fixture to keep their European dreams alive.
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