The UEFA Champions League group stage has officially kicked off, and Azerbaijan’s sole representative, FK Qarabag, made a historic start with a dramatic victory.

In their opening match, the reigning Azerbaijani champions faced Portugal’s Benfica at the iconic Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. Despite conceding two early goals in the 6th and 16th minutes, Qarabağ staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 3–2 triumph.

Leandro Andrade reignited hope in the 30th minute by narrowing the deficit, leaving the first half at 2–1 in Benfica’s favor. Qarabağ began the second half strongly, with new signing Camilo Duran leveling the score. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute, when Aleksey Kashuk sealed the team’s historic win.

This marks Qarabağ’s first-ever victory in the Champions League group stage, achieved in only their second appearance at this level of the competition.

Qarabağ will play their next group stage fixture on October 1 in Baku against Denmark’s Copenhagen.