"Having been mocked on their debut in the Champions League group stage eight years ago, Azerbaijani side Qarabag have proved a surprise package in this season's competition. They lost 6-0 at Chelsea and 4-0 at home in that difficult 2017-18 campaign, claiming just two points from a group featuring Atletico Madrid and Roma, and earning the derisory nickname "carrier bag"."
""To be honest, they are a very good team," he said. "Well organised, very intense in the way they press and work together as a team, you can see that it's many, many years they work with the same manager, 17 years, it is unbelievable. It will be tough especially because they are at home. "We will arrive [back in London] on Thursday at 6am in the morning, We have a game on Saturday night and have to adapt.""
Qarabag transformed from a mocked debutant in the 2017-18 Champions League to a competitive group-stage side in the current season. The team suffered heavy defeats in 2017-18 but has since improved its European record, matching Chelsea's six points from nine so far. Qarabag secured a dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Benfica, beat Copenhagen 2-0 at home, and led against Athletic Club before losing 3-1. The side has tripled its goal tally compared with 2017-18 and could record its most notable win in its 200th European match if it beats Chelsea. Travel and time-zone challenges complicate visiting teams' preparations. Beating English opposition in Europe has remained elusive for Qarabag, with no wins or draws in seven attempts.
Read at www.bbc.com
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