"It was a very effective match for us. We made new history by leaving the group in the Europa League. Despite the fact that we faced a very strong opponent, we continued our success."
Idman.biz reports that Leandro Andrade, the attacking midfielder of Qarabag, said this in an interview with the Portuguese press.
The 22-year-old football player evaluated the games they defeated Braga in the Europe League playoffs: "We were able to turn some points in our favor. In all predictions, the opponent was said to be superior. But nothing was easy. Braga is a great team with good players. We should have been the best Qarabag who focused on the whole game. We fulfilled all the tasks of the head coach. We preferred attacking football. Many did not believe us. We controlled the whole field. We were aware of our potential and knew that we would change the situation at once. Qarabag once again demonstrated the football it exhibits in every game."
Andrade also emphasized that Gurban Gurbanov played a big role in his career: "I came to Qarabag when I was 22 years old. Even though I knew a lot, I found that I still had a lot to learn. Although I was invited as a left winger, I played on both sides. I played as an attacker and a central midfielder. I understand the idea of the club and I feel good here. I have developed a lot. Gurban Gurbanov is great. Its game system is fantastic. I want to continue like this."
The player from Cape Verde said that the promotion of Qarabag to the 1/8 finals of the Europa League will be beneficial for Azerbaijani football: "They have reached this stage for the first time. This success put Azerbaijani football on the international map. People are euphoric and will be talking about it for years to come. Qarabag can further increase its international image. This success will continue. This is the result of years of work. It is not a matter of 1 month or 1 year. The system signed by Gurbanov, which makes the players feel comfortable in the game, is the work of years. It's a lot of tears and a lot of effort. It will not stop here!".
Andrade also spoke about his admiration for Joao Moutinho: "He was the player I respect the most, I am a fan of, and he surprised me with his game. I knew he was a fantastic player. But I was surprised that despite his age, the number of games he played and the lack of time to rest, he played like this. I am very disappointed that I could not get the uniform."
It should be noted that Qarabag won Braga away with the score of 4:2, but lost 2:3 at home, but won 6:5 in the end. Bayer will be the next opponent of Aghdam team. The first match will be played in Baku on March 7, and the return match will be played in Germany a week later.
Idman.biz
