Azerbaijani champions Sabah Baku started their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign with a solid 2-0 home victory over Welsh side The New Saints at the Bank Respublika Arena. The result gives Sabah a commanding lead ahead of the second leg in Oswestry.

Match Overview

Sabah Baku dominated the proceedings from the first whistle, showcasing their technical superiority over the visitors. The New Saints, perennial Welsh champions, set up defensively, hoping to contain Sabah and perhaps snatch an away goal, but they were largely outclassed by the hosts' fluid attacking play.

Key Moments

• 19' – Sabah break the deadlock: A quick passing move ended with midfielder Alexey Isaev sliding the ball to striker Rauf Aliyev, who turned and fired low into the bottom corner from 12 yards.
• 67' – Second goal ensures comfort: Following a corner, the ball fell to debutant winger Ademola Lookman (on loan from Atalanta), who smashed a half-volley past TNS goalkeeper Connor Roberts.
• 82' – TNS miss golden chance: Striker Declan McManus found himself one-on-one with Sabah goalkeeper Shahrud Mahammadaliyev but saw his effort saved by the outstretched leg of the keeper.

Tactical Story

Sabah Baku played a fluid 4-3-3, with full-backs pushing high to pin TNS back. The midfield trio of Isaev, Eddy Silvestre, and Tellur Mammadov circulated the ball well, controlling the tempo. The New Saints employed a 5-4-1 formation, aiming to stay compact and hit on the break. However, they struggled to retain possession, often losing the ball cheaply in midfield. Sabah's pressing game forced several errors, leading to scoring opportunities.

Standout Performer

Rauf Aliyev led the line superbly, scoring one and causing constant problems with his movement. Ademola Lookman, playing his first competitive game for Sabah, looked lively and capped his debut with a well-taken goal. At the back, captain Abbas Huseynov marshalled the defense and ensured the clean sheet.

Impact on the Tie

A 2-0 home win is a near-perfect result for Sabah. The New Saints will need to produce a heroic performance at Park Hall to have any chance of overturning the deficit. The Welsh side must win by at least two goals to force extra time. Sabah are now strong favorites to progress to the second qualifying round, where they could face either Dudelange or Budućnost Podgorica.