On Wednesday, December 10, Qarabag will host Ajax at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in the sixth round of the Champions League main stage.
The match will be officiated by a Slovenian refereeing team led by Rade Obrenović, Idman.Biz reports.
At first glance, the balance of power looks obvious: Ajax has finished five rounds without a single point, while Qarabag has collected seven and remains in the race for the continuation of their European campaign. But such scenarios often become the most dangerous ones.
For Qarabag, this is far from an ordinary match. The stands will demand victory, the team feels the responsibility for the result, and the opponent’s position may create the illusion that they must be beaten. This builds pressure that can work against a favorite in European competitions.
Ajax, on the other hand, arrives in Baku with almost no tournament prospects. When the math stops working, football often becomes easier. The fear of making mistakes disappears, teams play more boldly, faster, and take greater risks. Such freedom makes the underdog especially dangerous.
Despite a disastrous group stage, Ajax remains a club with a rich European heritage and strong footballing principles. Experience, tempo, possession culture — all of this does not vanish even in a difficult season. A team freed from pressure can unexpectedly play bright, fast, and aggressive football, particularly when players are fighting for their place and the trust of the coaching staff.
Squad issues also do not make the Dutch side harmless. Injuries to Wout Weghorst and the absence of Josip Šutalo and Kenneth Taylor change the attacking structure of Ajax. In such situations, teams often switch to more dynamic and unpredictable attacking patterns, which may create additional challenges for Qarabag’s defense. The possible involvement of Kasper Dolberg, even if not fully fit, adds further unpredictability.
Previous meetings between the teams also play a role. Last year's 3:0 Europa League win gives Ajax a psychological boost, while Qarabag certainly remembers how dangerous the Dutch club can be when given space.
The biggest risk for Qarabag is playing under the weight of expectations. Trying too hard to prove their favorite status often leads to rushing decisions, unnecessary risks, and mistakes — exactly the type of situations Ajax can capitalize on. Qarabag has already shown the ability to compete with strong opponents even away from home, so maintaining composure will be crucial.
Qarabag has every chance to win — but only if it does not interpret Ajax’s zero points as a sign of weakness. The bottom spot in the table does not erase the opponent’s quality or their ability to transform when the pressure of results disappears. Freed from tournament obligations, Ajax may show its boldest and most unpredictable version.
The evening in Baku promises intrigue: the hosts will play to keep their dream alive, while the visitors will fight for pride and freedom. In matches like this, the one who errs is not the weaker side, but the one who believes the numbers too early.
Teymur Tushiуev
