Qarabag Vs Ajax

On Thursday evening, Dutch football giants Ajax will travel to the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, to face off against Azerbaijani champions Qarabag FK in the UEFA Europa League. The stakes are high for both teams as they look to make a significant impact in the competition's group stage.

Ajax, one of the most storied clubs in European football, have earned four points from their first two matches in the Europa League group phase, positioning themselves favorably in their bid for qualification to the knockout stages. Qarabag FK, on the other hand, have faced a tough start to their European campaign, yet to secure a point after two consecutive defeats. The match is crucial for both sides as they navigate their respective trajectories in the tournament.

Qarabag FK’s Struggles in Europe

Qarabag FK, often dubbed The Horsemen, have had a difficult start to their Europa League journey this season. After two matches, they find themselves in the unenviable position of being one of only six teams in the expanded 36-team competition that have lost both of their opening fixtures. Their first challenge saw them succumb to a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, despite the English side being reduced to 10 men early in the game. That loss was followed by a 2-1 defeat on home soil against Swedish side Malmö FF.

While the Azerbaijani side have struggled on the European stage, their domestic form paints a much brighter picture. Qarabag have been in sensational form in the Azerbaijan Premier League, winning eight of their first nine matches of the season. They have already netted a league-high 25 goals, proving their dominance in local competition. This potent form was on full display in their most recent domestic outing, where they dismantled Kapaz 5-0, with a flurry of four second-half goals scored in the space of just 27 minutes. That victory solidified their position at the top of the league table, three points clear of their nearest rivals, as they chase a remarkable fourth consecutive league title.

Despite their domestic success, Qarabag have had a tough time making a significant impact on the continental stage. Last season, they managed to reach the last 16 of the Europa League for the first time in the club’s history, a remarkable achievement given their relatively small stature in European football. However, their record in the competition remains a concern. Of the 53 matches they’ve played in the Europa League, Qarabag have lost 29, giving them the highest loss rate (55%) among teams that have played at least 50 matches in the competition.

Adding to their woes, Qarabag have struggled against Dutch opposition in recent years. In their four most recent encounters with Dutch clubs, all in the Europa League qualifying rounds, they have failed to secure a single victory, recording three draws and one loss. Notably, two of these matches were goalless draws on home turf, against FC Twente in 2009 and 2014, underscoring their difficulty in breaking down Dutch defenses.

Despite these challenges, Qarabag have shown glimpses of their potential on the European stage, and under the guidance of experienced manager Gurban Gurbanov, they will be eager to turn their fortunes around when they face Ajax on Thursday. Gurbanov, who has been at the helm for over a decade, is highly respected in Azerbaijani football and has overseen Qarabag’s rise to domestic dominance.