Key Takeaways:
- Benfica suffered a 2:3 home defeat to Qarabag in the Champions League on Tuesday
- The Portuguese side relinquished a two-goal advantage, with Oleksiy Kashchuk netting Qarabag’s winner in the 86th minute
- Benfica will face Chelsea away on September 30th, while Qarabag host FC Copenhagen the following day
Match Analysis
Benfica endured a stunning loss at home, falling 2:3 to Qarabag in a Champions League group stage encounter on Tuesday. The Portuguese side raced to a two-goal lead, only to see the Azerbaijani visitors mount an impressive comeback capped by Oleksii Kashchuk’s decisive late strike just four minutes from full-time.
How the Drama Unfolded
The encounter at Estádio da Luz began brightly for Benfica, who seized control in the 6th minute. Enzo Barrenechea converted a corner with a precise header to give the hosts an early advantage. Momentum remained firmly with Benfica as Vangelis Pavlidis extended the lead in the 16th minute, volleying home to put the Portuguese outfit two goals to the good.
Qarabağ STUN Benfica 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hc7Icp764f
— 433 (@433) September 16, 2025
Despite their commanding start, Benfica soon found themselves under pressure. Qarabag responded through Leandro Andrade, whose powerful drive gave the visitors hope of a turnaround. The Azerbaijani side nearly drew level as well, with Kady Borges striking the post and Anatoliy Trubin producing a critical save to deny Marko Jankovic from close range.
Turning Point and Late Heartbreak
Just three minutes after the break, Qarabag found their equaliser. Camilo Duran capitalised on an inventive looping pass from Marko Jankovic, levelling the score and leaving Benfica rattled.
The winning goal arrived in the 86th minute. Following a long clearance from the Qarabag goalkeeper, Oleksii Kashchuk brought the ball under control just outside the area. Linking up with Abdellah Zoubir through an intricate one-two, Kashchuk dispatched a pinpoint finish beyond the Benfica shot-stopper. The stunned home crowd at Estádio da Luz responded with a chorus of boos directed at their team’s late collapse.
Upcoming Fixtures
| Team | Next Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benfica | Chelsea | 30 September | Away |
| Qarabag | FC Copenhagen | 1 October | Home |
Summary
Last season’s round-of-16 participants Benfica will attempt to recover when they face Chelsea on 30th September at Stamford Bridge. Qarabag, buoyed by this impressive away triumph, are set to welcome FC Copenhagen to Azerbaijan just a day later.
