The UEFA Champions League match between Qarabag and Lincoln Red Imps will take place at Baku National Stadium at 9:30 pm IST on Wednesday.
Qarabag FK holds a one-goal advantage going into the second leg of their Champions League first qualifying round against Lincoln Red Imps. After a comeback in the second half during their previous match in Gibraltar, the champions of Azerbaijan are in a favorable position as they reconvene at the Baku National Stadium for the return leg.
Qarabag fans were surprised when their team trailed in the first leg, despite expecting an easy victory. The Azerbaijan Premier League champions aim to qualify for the Champions League group stage once again after retaining their title with 90 points and 91 goals scored. While they consistently reach the qualifying rounds, they have only reached the Champions League group phase once in 2017-18. Failing in the first-round tie would drop them to the Europa Conference League’s third qualifying round. However, under Gurban Gurbanov’s leadership since 2008, Qarabag prioritizes progress in the UEFA Champions League. Their next opponent in the second round will be either Rakow Czestochowa or Flora later this month.
Lincoln Red Imps, the Gibraltar National League champions, are determined to stage an improbable comeback and secure a spot in the next stage. Despite losing their advantage at Victoria Stadium, they draw confidence from their recent European experience. They competed in the 2021-22 Europa Conference League group stage, a groundbreaking achievement for Gibraltar football. Last year, they narrowly missed out on the Champions League qualifiers, losing 3-2 on aggregate to FC Shkupi. A similar outcome on Wednesday would be disappointing for the 27-time Gibraltar champions, but another chance in the Conference League may be more fitting for their stature.
Qarabag FK probable starting lineup: Mahammadaliyev, Vesovic, Mustafazada, Medina, Jafarquliyev, Jankovic, Romao, Benzia, Andrade, Zoubir, Xhixka
Lincoln Red Imps probable starting lineup: Coleing, Ayew, Sargeant, Lopes, Nano, Britto, Yahaya, Mandi, Juampe, Gomez, Walker
Qarabag FK
| Opponents | Score |
| Lincoln Red Imps | 2-1 (W) |
| CSKA Sofia | 1-0 (W) |
| Legia | 0-2 (L) |
| Ferencvaros | 3-3 (D) |
| Turan | 3-1 (W) |
Lincoln Red Imps
| Opponents | Score |
| Qarabag | 1-2 (L) |
| Magpies | 1-2 (L) |
| Europa FC | 1-2 (L) |
| St. Josephs | 3-0 (W) |
| Glacis United | 5-0 (W) |
| Last 5 match-results | Score |
| Qarabag beat Lincoln Red Imps | 2-1 |
The UEFA Champions League match between Qarabag and Lincoln Red Imps will take place at Baku National Stadium at 9:30 pm IST on Wednesday.
| Qarabag vs Lincoln Red Imps | Key Details |
| Date | July 19 |
| Venue | Baku National Stadium |
| Kickoff time in Azerbaijan | 8:00 pm |
| Kickoff time in Gibraltar | 6:00 pm |
| Kickoff time in India | 9:30 pm |
Football fans in Azerbaijan can catch the live action via CBC Sport Azerbaijan.
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