Tahir Gozel: “We achieved a well-deserved victory”

Our club president, Tahir Gozel, watched Qarabağ’s determined 3:1 away victory over Ferencváros in the Champions League play-off stage live at the stadium. After the match, he shared his impressions of the game.

Mr. Gozel expressed his admiration for the team’s determination to continue fighting for a place in the League stage of the tournament this season: “As you know, we began our Champions League journey from the second qualifying round. Twenty-eight teams are already confirmed for the League stage. The remaining eight spots will be filled after the competition among clubs on the Champions Path. Now we are in the play-off round. That means we are among the last 10 teams competing for five places in the League stage. As always, I was by my team’s side today. We are extremely proud of this victory. As a team, we are delighted to give our people such joyful emotions.”

The president also expressed his gratitude to the Azerbaijani fans who traveled from different countries to support the team in Hungary: “Our fans came from the USA, the Czech Republic, and many other European countries to back us. Although there were only about 500 of them, in a 22,000-capacity stadium they matched the home fans, and at times even outshined them, inspiring our team to victory. Despite conceding first, their support gave our players renewed strength. The loyalty and spirit of our fans is always an extra motivation for Qarabağ.”

He emphasized that winning with superior play was especially significant: “More important than victory itself is the way we achieved it. What pleased me most was our dominant performance and our greater ball possession. Especially in the second half, we played magnificently. Although we conceded an unlucky goal in the first half, we earned a well-deserved win. Our tactical superiority forced the opponent to respond with long passes, because they could not cope with our players in one-on-one situations. Winning at the play-off stage not only boosts the players’ morale but is also a historic achievement.”

Tahir Gozel also expressed his delight at Musa Gurbanli’s decisive goal: “One of the moments that made me happiest was Musa Gurbanli’s beautiful goal. It will give him extra motivation. As a president, but also as a fan, his goal made me excited and joyful. Additionally, I was proud that Toral Bayramov’s goal against Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League group stage was ranked among the tournament’s top 10 goals last season. That goal was watched by more than three million people on UEFA’s YouTube channel.”

Despite Qarabağ’s 3:1 away victory, the club president believes it is still too early to relax. He stressed that fan support will be crucial in the return match on August 27 at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium: “Now we have 90 minutes left. The outcome of the tie is not decided yet. Ahead of us is a strong, dangerous opponent with a fighting spirit. We must remain fully focused, and the coaching staff knows this well. I ask our fans to show massive support for the team, because it could play a decisive role in the return leg. Unfortunately, due to a business trip, I will have to watch the match on television instead of being at the stadium. But I believe our team will reach the League stage of this tournament. In that stage, too, I will be by their side and give them my full support.”