Qarabag host CSKA Sofia at the Azersun Arena on Thursday for the first leg of their UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie. The Azeri side made light work of Icelandic outfit Vestri in the previous stage of the qualifiers, winning 3-0 home and away to prevail 6-0 on aggregate.

Zakaria Sarjo Sawo, Abdellah Zoubir, and Renaldo Cephas were on target in the first leg in Baku, while Jaly Mouaddib, Pedro Bicalho, and Sawo, again, scored in the return in Reykjavik.

It marked an explosive start to their European ambition as the Horsemen are looking to play in a tournament proper for the 13th year running.

Last year, the club saw a run of three consecutive Europa League appearances halted after qualifying for the Champions League, where Göy-ağlar reached the knockout playoffs. It was the first time the Baku outfit had progressed from the first round of the competition.

But, having relinquished their crown in the 2025-26 Azerbaijan League season by finishing in second place, Qurban Qurbanov's side dropped into the Europa League qualifiers once again and will be looking to take another step towards the league phase here.

CSKA Sofia saw off Irish side Derry City in the last round of the qualifiers, prevailing 3-2 at home in the first leg before a 2-1 comeback victory on the road in the return.

The Bulgarian side, which came in fourth place in the Bulgarian First League last season, are looking to end a six-year wait to qualify for the Europa League finals again.

The Horsemen are the side with more experience here and boast a menacing attacking front line that can give Sofia a tough run for their money. The Reds may have to slog it out here, ending in a tough loss.

Prediction: Qarabag 2-0 CSKA Sofia

Tip 1 - Result: Qarabag to win

Tip 2 - Goals over/under 2.5: Under 2.5 goals

Tip 3 - Both teams to score: No

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