History in Making: Qarabag aims for redemption in Norway

Today, Azerbaijani champions Qarabag will play their next European fixture.

According to Idman.biz, the Aghdam club will compete in their fourth match of the UEFA Europa League group stage.

The game against Bodo Glimt marks the fifth encounter between Azerbaijani and Norwegian clubs, and the eighth overall. Out of the previous seven games, four were between Qarabag and Norwegian teams.

Three of these matchups, and a total of five encounters, involved Qarabag. In another duel, Inter faced Tromsø but could not secure a complete comeback after a loss in the away match.

For Qarabag, Norwegian clubs have played a pivotal role in the club's European journey. In 2009, Qarabag began their historic journey towards their first-ever playoff under coach Gurban Gurbanov, starting the season in Norway. A draw against Rosenborg followed by a win in Baku laid the foundation for Qarabag's future European victories.

Last year, the Aghdam club made their first-ever appearance in the group stage of the Europa League, starting with a match against a Norwegian team. Qarabag defeated Molde 1-0 in Baku and drew 2-2 away, ultimately securing second place in the group and advancing to the knockout round.
Despite some setbacks against Norwegian teams, including a penalty loss to Molde in the 2020 pandemic-impacted tournament, Qarabag has always shown resilience. Their upcoming match in Norway remains significant for the club, especially after a run of five consecutive losses in the group stage, which has left them as underdogs.

This match offers Qarabag the opportunity to break their losing streak and secure their first points in this year's competition. A victory in Norway would be a crucial turning point for the Azerbaijani champions, preventing them from complicating their chances of advancing further.

In total, in seven matches between clubs from Azerbaijan and Norway, Azerbaijani teams have won three times, while Norwegian clubs have won once, with three matches ending in a draw. Qarabag, specifically, has never lost to a Norwegian team in five encounters, winning twice and drawing three times.

Europa League, II qualifying round

2009/10
Rosenborg" - Qarabag - 0:0, 0:1

2013/14
Europa League, II qualifying round
Tromso - Inter - 2:0, 0:1

2020/21
Champions League, III qualifying round
Qarabag - Molde - 0:0, p. 5:6

2023/24
European League, group stage
Qarabag - Molde - 1:0, 2:2