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Champions League shocker: Azerbaijan's Sabah reach the main draw for the first time ever

Champions League shocker: Azerbaijan
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Champions League shocker: Azerbaijan's Sabah reach the main draw for the first time ever

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Azerbaijani club Sabah pulled off an incredible comeback in the second leg of the Champions League fourth qualifying round against Israel's Hapoel Beer Sheva, reaching the tournament's main round for the first time in the club's history.

The home leg in Baku started disastrously for Sabah: after a goal from Mizrahi in the 61st minute, the hosts trailed 1:2 on the night and 2:4 on aggregate. It looked as though the Israelis had already sealed their spot. But Sabah found the strength for a dramatic turnaround — Rahmonaliyev levelled the score in the 74th minute, and substitute Mutallimov made it 3:2 in the fourth minute of stoppage time, forcing the tie into extra time.

Decided in extra time

Fortune fully swung the hosts' way in extra time. In the 100th minute, visiting defender Diop was shown a second yellow card, and Sabah made the most of their numerical advantage — another substitute, Mbina, got on the scoresheet. Mikkels sealed the win with a final goal, and Hapoel midfielder Peretz was sent off as well before the final whistle.

The second leg ended 5:2 in Sabah's favor, sending the Azerbaijani side through on aggregate. For Hapoel Beer Sheva, it was their third failed attempt to reach the Champions League main round via the decisive qualifying stage.

A newcomer among the elite

Sabah was only founded in 2017, and this marks the first time in its brief history that the club will play in the main draw of a European competition. Prague's Slavia could theoretically end up in the same group — the Champions League main-round draw is scheduled for Thursday.

Other fixtures in the same round saw Austria's LASK face Scotland's Celtic, while Norway's Bodø/Glimt hosted the Netherlands' Nijmegen (NEC).

Source: sport.cz

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