Interview with Kevin Medina, Colombian player of Qarabag, about their first Champions League play-off match against Ferencvaros in Hungary (3:1), shared with Matc.az:
How do you evaluate the first match against Ferencvaros?
It was literally a very tough game. Ferencvaros tried to prove they were the hosts in front of their home fans. The first half was a strong battle on the field. The opponent ran a lot and tried to execute their plans. Sometimes they succeeded. We also carried out our tasks in the first half, sometimes successfully, sometimes not. We saw that the opponent was dangerous. We ended the first half losing. In the second half, we executed the given tasks exactly as we wanted and were able to make a comeback. Beating an opponent like Ferencvaros 3:1 on their own field is both enjoyable and difficult. This victory comes in handy ahead of the return match.
How challenging were the opponent’s fast attacks? Were you prepared?
Of course, we were prepared because we analyzed the opponent during the week. We knew how they build attacks. They executed their attacks perfectly. Even though we were ready, sometimes it didn’t work out. The goal we conceded was a result of that. But in the second half, we managed to turn the situation in our favor.
You scored a goal against Ferencvaros. How did that feel?
Scoring a goal is always great. Even more so for a defender. Our main job is to keep our goal safe. Scoring always brings extra joy. One of the special reasons that made this match against Ferencvaros memorable for me was that it was my daughter’s birthday. I dedicated the goal I scored to her. Contributing to a victory on my daughter’s birthday doubles the happiness.
You earned a confident away victory and have a big advantage for the return match. Can we say the Champions League group stage is very close?
Beating such an opponent away is very difficult. This is truly an important victory with great value. After the 3:1 score, you think the Champions League group stage is very close. But we must not get complacent. The match at home will be more serious. We need to prepare well during the week to minimize mistakes. Ferencvaros is a serious opponent. In Baku, we can expect at least 100 minutes of intense battle. Therefore, we need to prepare seriously for the return match. I hope we finish that match positively as well. Only then can we comfortably talk about the group stage. For now, we must focus only on the return match.
How would you compare the Ferencvaros team now with the one from three years ago? Which was stronger?
Comparing is a bit difficult for me. There have been major changes in the squad, the head coach has changed. The philosophy and system are different. The only thing that hasn’t changed is the score. Three years ago, we also won 3:1.
How do you assess the chances for the Baku match?
Playing in Baku is always enjoyable. Playing at home in front of our fans is an advantage because they push the team forward. Fans and players must be united. We need to go onto the field thinking the score is 0:0. I know all of Azerbaijan wants Qarabag to reach the group stage of the Champions League.
Any message for fans ahead of the return match?
After the match against Shkendija, I said to the fans to wait for us; we are coming. I want to say the same thing again. We went to Hungary to get a good result and won 3:1. My request to the fans is to fill the stadium in Baku. This is a historic moment. We are very close to the Champions League group stage. Let them come and support us and be a part of this history. Azerbaijan is a country of real fighters and gladiators, and together we must win this battle as well.
Idman.biz
