Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League Qualifying match.
Last week’s meeting between Qarabağ and Ferencváros (3:1) was another masterclass from Gurban Gurbanov and his coaching staff. In Budapest, the Azerbaijani champions turned the game on its head after the interval to secure a commanding victory, giving themselves a healthy cushion ahead of the return leg at home.
Qarabağ
In Hungary, Qarabağ went into half-time a goal down but struck three unanswered goals inside 35 minutes after the restart. They made the most of their 0.77 xG, with substitute Nariman Akhundzade scoring just three minutes after coming on. However, Qarabağ showed defensive vulnerability in domestic action on Friday, losing 0:1 to Sumqayit in their league opener despite a clear edge in chances (13-5 on shots).
Ferencváros
For Ferencváros, the defeat to Qarabağ was their second in a row following a 1:2 reverse to Puskás Akadémia in the Hungarian league. They have now seen Over 2.5 land in four consecutive matches, their open style leaving plenty of gaps at the back. In Baku the team will surely throw everything into attack — in the first leg they still managed 1.09 xG and 12 shots, so there are reasons to believe in a comeback attempt.
Qarabağ vs Ferencváros Prediction
Qarabağ may try to sit deeper from the start, but Ferencváros will undoubtedly raise the tempo. Goals look inevitable again, with both sides likely to contribute.
