Qarabag Stuns Benfica in Historic Champions League Comeback

In a thrilling UEFA Champions League match on September 16, 2025, Qarabag FK achieved a historic 3-2 victory over Benfica, marking the first time an Azerbaijani club has won a main draw game in the competition. Played at Estádio da Luz, the match showcased Qarabag’s resilience, overturning an early deficit in a remarkable second-half turnaround. Benfica took a 2-0 lead with goals from Enzo Barrenechea (6') and Vangelis Pavlidis (16'), but Qarabag fought back with strikes from Leandro Andrade (30'), Juninho Durakchok (48'), and Oleksii Kashchuk (86').

This victory is particularly poignant given Qarabag’s history, as the club has been displaced from its home in Aghdam since 1993 due to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, playing instead at the Azersun Arena in Baku. The win contrasts sharply with their previous Champions League record, where they failed to secure a victory in six matches during the 2017-18 season. For Benfica, the loss has triggered immediate repercussions, with head coach Bruno Lage facing dismissal. Speculation is rife that José Mourinho, a seasoned tactician with a proven track record, could step in to salvage the Portuguese giants’ season.

This upset underscores the unpredictable nature of European football, setting the stage for an intriguing campaign ahead.