Qarabag 0-0 CSKA Sofia: nil in Baku in the 1st leg of the 2nd
According to Championat.
Context
Qarabag, a club that has excelled in European competitions, showed a solid defense with the performance of Badavi Huseynov, while CSKA Sofia will try to capitalize on their home advantage in the 2nd leg. Both clubs' performance in the Europa League could influence their season, especially in terms of morale and confidence.
Why this matters
The 0-0 draw between Qarabag and CSKA Sofia in the 1st leg of the 2nd qualifying round of the 2026/27 Europa League keeps the tie open, with both teams fighting for a place in the next stage. The lack of goals reflects the defensive solidity of both teams, but it also raises questions about the offensive capacity they will have in the 2nd leg. The decision will be crucial for the future of both teams in European competition.
Principais conclusões
- Qarabag 0-0 CSKA Sofia: null em Bacu na 1.ª mão da 2.ª.
- Qarabag and CSKA Sofia tied 0-0 at the start of the 2.ª pré-eliminatória da Liga Europa 2026/27, em Bacu.
- Karabakh - CSKA C, match result July 23, 2026, score 0:0, second qualifying round of Europa League 2026/2027 - Champion.
Qarabag and CSKA Sofia drew 0-0 in the first game of the 2nd qualifying round of the 2026/27 Europa League. The match was played at the Tofik Bahramov Stadium, in Baku (Azerbaijan), and ended goalless, leaving the tie completely open for the 2nd leg.
In a balanced and carefully played encounter, neither team managed to clear the score throughout the 90 minutes. The defenses got the better of the attacks and clear opportunities were scarce, resulting in a goalless draw that mirrors the tactical organization presented by the Azeris and Bulgarians at the start of European qualification.
On Qarabag's side, Badavi Huseynov stands out: the Russian defender spent 74 minutes on the field. The player, who once represented Anji, was part of the eleven and helped keep the goal clean before being substituted in the second half. Goalkeeper Shahruddin Magomedaliev, born in Makhachkala, remained on the bench, unused in this first leg.
The goalless result means that any win in the 2nd leg will guarantee qualification for the next round of the Europa League. It is worth remembering that UEFA has abolished the away goals rule, so a new draw at the end of the 90 minutes in Sofia will take the game to extra time and, if necessary, penalties to determine the winner of the tie.
The decision is scheduled for next week: the 2nd leg will take place on July 30th, at the Vasil Levski Stadium, in Sofia (Bulgaria). At home, CSKA Sofia will have the support of their fans to try to seal the passage, while Qarabag will seek to repeat the defensive solidity shown in Baku and find efficiency in the final third to surprise away.
This 2nd qualifying round is part of the long qualifying route towards the group stage of the 2026/27 Europa League, played over two legs. After zero in the Azerbaijani capital, the margin for error shrinks and the importance of details such as set pieces, effort management and the bank's response grows. The way each coach adjusts the plan between the two legs could be decisive for the final outcome of a tie that, for now, has no clear favorite.
With everything leveled, the tie heads to Sofia with a simple scenario: whoever scores first will gain a precious advantage in a series that has been tied, and where defensive solidity and concentration could be worth a ticket to the next phase of the UEFA competition.
What happens next
After this match, CSKA Moscow will face Rostov on August 8, while Krylya Sovetov will face Baltika on the same date. Performance in this round could be decisive for the confidence and morale of the teams in the next matches of the Russian Premier League. The expectation is for an intense duel, given the competitive history between the clubs.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the match between CSKA and Krylya Sovetov?
CSKA Moscow hosted Krylya Sovetov in the 2nd round of the Russian Alfa-Bank Premier League 2026/27.
Who confirmed the starting eleven for the game?
The starting eleven is already official and was announced before the game.
Why is this game important now?
This game is important because both teams are looking to gain points in the initial phase of the championship, with CSKA trying to stay in the top group and Krylya Sovetov trying to climb the table.
What are the team changes for this game?
The teams presented different starting elevens, with CSKA betting on players like Torop and Oblyakov, while Krylya Sovetov has Pesyakov and Babkin.
What is the context for classifying teams before the game?
CSKA is in 6th place with three points, while Krylya Sovetov is in 11th place with one point.