“Magnificent feelings. The people of Azerbaijan have been waiting for this for years.”
Idman.biz reports that these words were spoken by Qarabag’s former footballer Afran Ismayilov in an interview with Sport24.az.
The 36-year-old former midfielder commented on the possibility of Qarabag qualifying for the UEFA Champions League group stage: “There is now a very good chance. Our team is playing the second match at home, and there will be incredible fan support. Qarabag deserves great thanks. For many years, they have carried Azerbaijani football on their shoulders. This year, there is also a big opportunity to reach Europe’s number one club tournament.”
Ismayılov recalled the period in 2017 when the Agdam club reached the Champions League group stage: “The atmosphere back then was completely different. I wish an Azerbaijani club to always be in the group stage. I hope the Champions League anthem will be heard in our country many times. Qarabag gives these feelings to Azerbaijani football. In today’s return match, it is important to remain calm and composed. Coach Gurban has years of experience and knows all this better than we do. I believe the players will follow his instructions. If so, they can comfortably secure a victory. There will be pressure, but the team has faced enough of it. I wish Qarabag success. Everyone will be watching this game. The whole world will follow our club’s achievement.”
The Qarabag vs. Ferencvaros match will kick off today at 20:45. In the first leg, the Azerbaijani champions won 3:1 away.
Idman.biz
