In the opening confrontation of the Europa League round of 16, Azerbaijan’s Qarabag hosted Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen, ending the clash in a 2-2 draw. The game set the stage for a tense two-legged series, with both sides displaying moments of flair and resilience that kept the outcome in doubt until the final whistle. The hosts began with intent, pressing high and forcing Leverkusen into hurried clearances, while the visitors looked to exploit space behind the defense with quick transitions and precise passing.
Qarabag drew first blood in the 26th minute when Juninho surged into the penalty area and slipped a cheeky shot past Yassin Benzia into the far corner of the net. The Brazilian forward celebrated a brief moment later when his attempt deflected off Kovar and ended up in his own net during a chaotic scramble before halftime. The home crowd erupted, but the reaction was tempered as the visitors recalibrated and began to control more of the ball.
As the second half unfolded, Bayer responded with greater intensity. Midway through the period, Florian Wirtz threaded a composed finish past the goalkeeper, restoring parity for Leverkusen and injecting life into the visitors’ attacking play. The tactical chess match continued into extra time, where Patrik Schick delivered a decisive moment with a composed finish that briefly tipped the balance in favor of the German side. Yet Qarabag, showing character, refused to roll over, pressing for another scoring opportunity in the final minutes.
Notably, Andrey Lunev, the Russian national team goalkeeper, completed the full 90 minutes for Qarabag. His presence between the posts provided organization behind a defensive line that managed to withstand the late pressure from the visiting outfit.
The reverse leg is scheduled to take place in Leverkusen on March 14, promising a high-stakes sequel that could shape the tie’s fate.
Earlier in the campaign, Qarabag secured their place in the Europa League knockout rounds by defeating Braga from Portugal on aggregate, establishing momentum that carried into the round of 16.
On August 19, 2023, Qarabag announced the signing of Lunev, who previously wore the Bayer jersey in Germany. His performances during the group stage earned him recognition as one of the standout goalkeepers in the tournament and earned a spot in the symbolic team following the early rounds of the 1/16 finals.
In reflecting on the European campaign and the shifting attitudes toward Russia within the continental football community, Lunev noted the changes, highlighting how players and clubs navigate the geopolitical landscape while pursuing sporting success.