Qarabag are set to face off against Ajax in their next European competition match tomorrow.
According to Idman.biz, Gurban Gurbanov's squad will compete in the third round of the UEFA Europa League group stage.
This encounter marks the fifth meeting between clubs from Azerbaijan and the Netherlands in continental tournaments. Previously, representatives from both countries have crossed paths twice in two-legged duels.
In both instances, the same teams were involved. Qarabag has faced Dutch clubs twice, both times against Twente. All these matches have taken place within the framework of the UEFA Europa League.
The Azerbaijani club's encounters with their Dutch counterparts have come during the playoff rounds, with each match holding historical significance.
Qarabag made their playoff debut in 2009, with the first match held in the Netherlands. In that encounter, Twente celebrated a 3-1 victory. Unfortunately, Gurbanov's team could not secure a home comeback, resulting in a scoreless draw and leaving them just shy of the group stage.
Five years later, Qarabag and Twente met again in the Europa League playoffs. This time, Qarabag competed as the Azerbaijani champion. Although the first match was held in Baku, the score mirrored that of five years earlier.
In the Netherlands, both teams found the back of the net, but this time a draw was recorded. With the away goals rule in effect, Qarabag advanced to the group stage for the first time in their history.
In four matches against Dutch clubs in the playoffs, Qarabag has yet to secure a victory, recording three draws and just one loss. The team has scored two goals while conceding four.
Previous Meetings:
2009/10 Season, Europa League
Playoff Round: Twente 3 - 1 Qarabag, 0 - 0
2014/15 Season, Europa League
Playoff Round: Qarabag 0 - 0 Twente, 1 - 1
This will be Qarabag’s fifth meeting with representatives from the Netherlands and their first match against Ajax, set to kick off tomorrow at 20:45.
Vugar Kheyrullayev
Idman.biz
