Qarabag report: Everything you need to know about Newcastle’s Champions League opponents

Expert insight from Azerbaijan 

The Champions League returns this week with the play-off round, and for Newcastle United, a long eight-hour journey to Azerbaijan awaits. The Magpies head to Baku this Wednesday evening to face Qarabağ, who finished in 22nd position in the Champions League league phase table. Qarabağ have already taken a point off of Chelsea this season after a 2-2 draw back in November. But what kind of threat can ‘the Horsemen’, as they are nicknamed, pose for Eddie Howe’s team? With expert insight from Transfermarkt’s expert in Azerbaijan, we bring you everything you need to know on Qarabağ.

Qarabağ’s recent history

Ostap Savchuk is Transfermarkt’s Data Scout for the Azerbaijan Premyer Liga and tells us more about the recent journey of Qarabağ: “I can define Qarabağ’s recent years by their consistent dominance in the Azerbaijani Championship in which they have won 11 of the last 12 titles. They have also had a stable squad and the unwavering presence of manager Qurban Qurbanov, who has remarkably been at the helm since 2008.” Qurbanov has managed as many as 722 Qarabağ matches, boasting an impressive record of 2.00 points-per-game.

However, despite their domestic success, it’s the mark they have left on European football that has really began to see Qarabağ get noticed on the continent. “Regarding European football, one could have predicted that the team would have made the jumps they have in the past decade, now standing head and shoulders above their previous best level in Europe,” admits Savchuk. Qarabağ played their first season in the Europa League in 2014/15, going out in the group stage. They also crashed out in the group in their next six attempts in the competition, before making it to the round of 16 in 2021/22, where they were knocked out by Bayer Leverkusen.

Qarabağ made the Champions League for the first time in the 2017/18 campaign, but were eliminated in the group. “To now be in the Champions League play-offs against Newcastle is a huge step not only for Qarabağ but for the whole of Azerbaijani football,” reveals Savchuk. “When it comes to the fan base, the team went through some very difficult times due to the conflict in South Caucasus and for many years they have been based in the capital city Baku, despite originating from Aghdam in the South-Western Karabakh region. The stadiums there are not very full, but a fan base does exist. Unfortunately, I don’t know the exact number of people who are members of the fan club.” The reported attendance in Qarabağ’s Champions League match against Chelsea this season was 30,887.

What kind of football do Qarabağ play?

“In European competitions, Qarabağ are a completely different side compared to in their home league,” explains Savchuk. “In addition to high-intensity pressing, they rely on very quick counter-attacks in the Champions League. It seems that Newcastle’s right flank will face the toughest challenge when it comes to pace, but on the other hand, I have no idea who will outrun who: will Elvin Cafarquliyev outpace Anthony Elanga, or will Elanga leave Cafarquliyev in the dust? They are both rapid!”

“Among the star players for Qarabağ, I would include the team’s “young veteran” Abdellah Zoubir, who has powerful speed and top dribbling skills, and links up well in the centre or on the right wing with another star and so far the most expensive player in the league – Leandro Andrade. The Brazilian has progressed a lot in recent years. Without these two players, there is no true engine to their attack. I would also mention the new signing, Camilo Durán, who has been just as instrumental in the Champions League for Qarabağ, scoring four goals in eight games.

“Qarabag is an incredibly well-drilled team, and in my opinion, the fact that they’ve reached these play-offs is already a remarkable achievement. Newcastle will be a tough opponent, and securing a victory would require even more extraordinary effort. But it just might be possible.” Newcastle are currently 10th in the Premier League, and also will be without star midfielder Bruno Guimarães.