The draw held in Monaco gave Qarabag a continuous route: at home, Chelsea, Eintracht, Ajax, Copenhagen; away, Liverpool, Napoli, Benfica, Athletic. In the new “league” format, the eight matches are combined into a single table where every point and every goal difference matters.
According to Idman.biz, the main goal is clear: to finish in the top 24 and qualify for the playoff stage.
Team situation and key players
Qarabag’s situation at the start of the group stage is businesslike and pragmatic. The team has passed the qualifying rounds, gained competitive rhythm, and most importantly, found confidence in a crucial area, the goal line. Polish goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski is currently the first-choice keeper and has delivered strong performances, including in the match against Ferencvaros.
The defensive anchors are Kevin Medina and Badavi Huseynov. In midfield, tempo and the first pass are under Marko Jankovic’s responsibility. In attack, the trio that has shaped the team’s identity for years — Abdellah Zoubir, Kady Borges, and Leandro Andrade, are the key figures. This minimal squad’s performance directly affects positional attacks, set pieces, and counter transitions.
Home matches, base for points
Home games are the main source of points. Chelsea is dangerous in ball possession with Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and fast wing players, but if forced to defend repeatedly in their penalty area, they are vulnerable in transitions and set pieces — here, Qarabag can gain an advantage through Jankovic and Kady.
Eintracht is strong in vertical tempo and set pieces with Kevin Trapp, Mario Gotze, and Ansgar Knauff; in Baku, control over half-spaces and disciplined defense against their rapid combinations will be decisive. Ajax remains unstable in positional defense with Brian Brobbey, Steven Bergwijn, and Kenneth Taylor, phased pressing and “trap” throw-ins could create opportunities for Qarabag.
Copenhagen, with Viktor Claesson, Denis Vavro, and smart wing movements, is a disciplined team, but in terms of individual quality, they are comparable to Qarabag; this match falls into the “must-win” category. Additionally, in 2017, Qarabag defeated Copenhagen 1-0 in Baku, a victory that secured their place in the Champions League group stage.
Tough away games
Away games are a different equation, where a draw is almost as valuable as a win. At Anfield, Liverpool’s key players — Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz, dictate high tempo. Slowing the pace, maintaining the first pass under pressure, and surviving until counterattacks is the realistic minimum plan.
Napoli applies structural pressure with Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Stanislav Lobotka, and a strong “second wave”; against this team, only passing is insufficient — play must be built through the Jankovic-Zoubir/Kady tandem and half-spaces. Benfica, with Anatoliy Trubin, Antonio Silva, Rafa Silva, and mobile wings, constantly controls the game’s rhythm at home; conceding in the first five minutes or losing focus on set pieces would be critical.
Athletic, with Unai Simon, Nico and Inaki Williams, Oihan Sancet, and the San Mames atmosphere, will apply long-term pressure; concentration in the second half and readiness to capitalize on a single opportunity is essential.
Advantages and risks
Qarabag’s main advantage is professionalism. The settled squad and balanced roles allow the team to alter the course of the game. Set pieces provide a stable source of opportunities. Home energy and logistical advantage offer a small but tangible edge in unusual away matches. Finally, the coach’s resource management, timely rotation of wings and fresh substitutions in the final 20 minutes, often resolves key situations at this level.
Risks are also clear: occasional lapses in concentration, reliance on the form of creative leaders, and vulnerability to quick turnovers if wing defenders fail to cover the back. Developing the first pass under pressing will be critical, mistakes against Liverpool, Chelsea, and Benfica at this stage turn directly into goal threats.
How many points are needed to reach the top 24?
Based on last season’s experience, the target is 10-11 points. Practically, this means: maximize results at home against Copenhagen and Ajax, secure at least a draw against Eintracht, and keep Chelsea under pressure until the final whistle.
Away, aim for draws where the opponent concedes “second balls” (Athletic is realistic), and in Lisbon and Naples, play efficiently without major losses in goal difference. When in the 20th-26th place zone, goal difference often becomes the final filter, so a smart 0-0 or 1-2 is sometimes more valuable than a hopeless 2-4.
Cool-headed calculation and discipline
Qarabag has the tools to have a competitive autumn and reach the playoffs. A healthy Kochalski, the careful play of the Zoubir-Kady-Andrade trio, intelligent tempo management by Jankovic, and disciplined finishing are key.
This is not the story of a “small team” defeating giants with emotional outbursts. It is the story of standards, first passes, and a cool head in the 80th-90th minute. If these details come together, there will be a place in the Top 24. If not, in this table, centimeters quickly turn into lost points.
Teymur Tushiyev
Idman.biz
