Azerbaijan's Qarabag FK has successfully advanced to the play-off stage of the UEFA Champions League following the conclusion of the league phase's final round.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Azerbaijani champion faced English side Liverpool in the eighth round of the league stage. The match, held at the iconic Anfield stadium, ended in a 6-0 victory for the hosts. The goals for the Merseyside club were scored by Alexis Mac Allister (2), Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Federico Chiesa.
Despite the heavy defeat in the final match, Qarabag finished the league phase in 22nd place with 10 points, which was sufficient to secure a position in the knockout rounds. With this achievement, the "Horsemen" have made history as the first club from Azerbaijan to reach the play-off stage of the UEFA Champions League under the tournament's current format. The team's performance throughout the league phase included several key victories that ensured their progression among Europe's elite clubs.
The UEFA Champions League, Europe's premier club football competition, recently underwent a format change, replacing the traditional group stage with a single league phase involving 36 teams. Qarabag's advancement represents a significant milestone for Azerbaijani football, demonstrating the club's growing competitiveness on the continental stage. The opponent for Qarabag in the play-off round will be determined during the official draw ceremony scheduled for January 30.
