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Basque Giants Seek European Glory Against Azerbaijani Upstarts
21 Oct
Summary
- Athletic Club and Qarabag face off for the first time in Europe
- Qarabag winless in 6 previous games against Spanish teams
- Athletic Club look to avoid 3 straight home defeats in major European competition
On 2025-10-22, Athletic Club of Spain will host Qarabag of Azerbaijan in a UEFA Champions League match, the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in European competition. Qarabag have struggled against Spanish opposition in the past, remaining winless in 6 previous games (2 draws, 4 losses), including a 3-0 defeat to Villarreal in December 2020.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid losing three consecutive home matches in major European tournaments, a feat they have never accomplished before. The Basque side lost their last two European home games, falling 0-3 to Manchester United and 0-2 to Arsenal.
Qarabag have started the Champions League season strongly, winning both of their matches so far against Benfica and Copenhagen. If they can secure another victory here, they would equal their own record for the longest winning run by an Azerbaijani team in major European competition.
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On the other hand, Athletic Club manager Ernesto Valverde has already lost as many Champions League games this season (2) as he did in 28 matches with his former club Barcelona. The Spanish side will be determined to bounce back and keep their European hopes alive.
