FC Zurich were beaten 3-2 in Baku by Qarabag Agdam in the second qualifying round of the Champions League. This result is almost unexpected given the scenario of the meeting.
Azerbaijan’s side, who showed more will and intensity in their game, will feel like they have been ill-paid for their efforts. At the same time, the Swiss champions really avoided the worst, because they might have sunk. In the 1st half, the Zurichers were copiously dominated. Qarabag scored through Kady (17th) and Wadji (36th), who both surprised Brecher with a hard shot to the near post.
The visitors recovered following the break. They finally knew how to create danger in front of the opposing goal and obtained the reward for their efforts thanks to a header from Kamberi (65th). But their joy was very short-lived: 49 seconds later, Wadji put Qarabag back 2 lengths ahead with another powerful shot at the near post from a not flawless Brecher.
FCZ headed out of the water thanks to a penalty obtained by Boranijasevic and converted by Kryeziu (85th). With only one goal to go, hope becomes realistic once more. Still, the Zurichers will have to deliver a much better performance at Letzigrund on Wednesday July 27 (7:00 p.m.) to pass the shoulder. Otherwise, the Champions League dreams will already be buried.
ats/bur
