UEFA Champions League 3rd Qualifying Round

Qarabag 5 - 1 FT Shkendija

Item: Qarabag vs Shkendija
Rating: 51
Author: Futmetrix

Tofiq Bahramov Stadium

AI-powered match analysis and previews to help you decide which games are worth watching

Tue, Aug 12

Qarabag

5-1

Shkendija

⚡ Intensity 56

⚖️ Balance 61

🏆 Stakes 33

🎲 Upset 0

Qarabag demolishes Shkendija in Champions League rout

Qarabag's Five-Star Statement Crushes Shkendija's Champions League Dream

Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 51/100. This wasn't a football match—it was a coronation, a statement of intent that Qarabag belong in Europe's elite competition, and Shkendija do not.

The Early Shock That Never Came

Shkendija arrived at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium with a spark. F. Tamba's tenth-minute strike, assisted by B. Ibraimi, sent shockwaves through the Azerbaijani side. For eight minutes, the underdog had tasted blood. Then came the Intensity shift that would define the evening.

The Turning Point: Own Goal Chaos

K. Cake's own goal in the 16th minute wasn't just a mistake—it was the psychological fracture that broke Shkendija completely. Within 120 seconds, Kady Borges restored parity. The Balance had shifted irreversibly toward the hosts. N. Akhundzade's finish in the 33rd minute, set up by A. Zoubir's vision, made it 3-1 before the half hour was done. By the 35th minute, M. Jankovic converted a penalty—clinical, merciless, final. The Stakes were no longer in doubt.

The Second-Half Formality

Leandro Andrade's 59th-minute goal, assisted by E. Cafarquliyev, was merely the exclamation mark on a sentence already written. Five goals in 59 minutes. Qarabag had transformed a potential upset into a demolition, turning the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium into a fortress of attacking prowess. Shkendija offered resistance in patches, but their Champions League journey had already been decided in those frantic opening minutes.

Key Questions

What caused the 6-goal thriller?

An early Shkendija lead was obliterated by Qarabag's ruthless clinical finishing. Cake's own goal sparked the avalanche; Borges, Akhundzade, and Jankovic's penalty sealed domination before half-time.

How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?

The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.

A Tactical Chess Match in Baku

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 8/100. This encounter is a battle of attrition where tactical discipline will outweigh individual brilliance in the race for the next round.

The Setup

As the sun sets on Baku this August 12, 2025, Qarabag prepares for a defining moment in their European campaign. The 3rd Qualifying Round of the UEFA Champions League brings a level of Stakes that can make or break a season's ambitions. However, the hosts enter this fixture with a Form that suggests vulnerability; three losses in their last five outings highlight a defensive fragility that must be addressed. Despite the lack of marquee Stars in either squad, the competitive Balance of this tie remains its most intriguing factor. Played at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, this first leg is less about flair and more about surviving the psychological pressure of continental qualification.

Key Battle

With no individual names dominating the headlines, the spotlight falls on the collective units. The primary conflict will unfold in the middle of the park, where the Qarabag midfield must find a way to dismantle the compact defensive block of Shkendija. The visitors are expected to sit deep and absorb pressure, challenging the home side to find creative solutions without leaving themselves exposed to the counter-attack. It is a game of patience, where one misplaced pass could decide the trajectory of the entire tie.

Our Prediction

The match is likely to develop into a slow-burn encounter with limited clear-cut opportunities. Qarabag will dominate the ball, but their recent struggles in front of goal might allow Shkendija to stay competitive until the final whistle. Expect a narrow 1-0 victory for the home side, secured by a late set-piece or a moment of defensive hesitation from the visitors.

Key Questions

Should I watch this match?

Only if you value high-stakes tactical discipline over high-scoring entertainment.

What's the predicted outcome?

A narrow 1-0 win for Qarabag, likely decided by a single mistake.

Where are Qarabag and Shkendija in the league table?

Qarabag are 17th domestically; Shkendija’s league data is not applicable to this continental tie.

What is Qarabag's current form?

Their form is a concern, with three losses in their last five matches (WLLDL).

What does this mean for qualification?

The victor progresses toward the Champions League play-offs, the final hurdle before the league stage.

How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?

The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.