The UEFA Europa League kicks off for Qarabag and Vestri on July 9, 2026, with the Azerbaijani champions hosting Icelandic newcomers. Qarabag enter this fixture with a mixed bag of recent results, having won just one of their last five matches, contributing to an overall season record of eight wins, one draw, and seven losses. Their attacking output has been respectable with 31 goals, though 35 conceded suggests defensive vulnerabilities.
Vestri, making their European debut, are an unknown quantity. With no prior competitive matches this season, their form and tactical approach remain a mystery. This lack of data creates an intriguing narrative, as Qarabag will need to adapt on the fly. The bookmakers have set an even playing field, with a 33% win probability for either side and a draw, highlighting the unpredictability. Watch for Qarabag's experienced European campaigners to try and assert dominance early against a potentially nervous Vestri side. The key narrative will be whether Vestri can spring a surprise or if Qarabag's European pedigree will prevail.
99. M. Kochalski, 2. Matheus Silva, 55. B. Huseynov, 18. Dani Bolt, 5. B. Langa, 35. Pedro Bicalho, 8. M. Jankovic, 9. J. Montiel, 17. C. Duran, 10. A. Zoubir, 11. Z. Sawo
1. M. Steinarsson, 3. Edson Eduardo, 7. J. Stensson, 10. T. G. Hafthorsson, 12. T. Phete, 15. G. Svavarsson, 19. E. Duah, 23. B. Hermannsson, 27. C. Morfelt, 29. K. Cheshmedjiev, 45. G. Einarsson
Match events
2' Card Yellow Card — S. Fall (Vestri)
26' subst Substitution 1 — I. Balde (Vestri) (assists: J. Stensson)
30' Goal Normal Goal — Z. Sawo (Qarabag) (assists: O. Kashchuk)
45'+2 Goal Normal Goal — A. Zoubir (Qarabag)
58' subst Substitution 2 — T. G. Hafthorsson (Vestri) (assists: C. Morfelt)
58' subst Substitution 3 — G. Svavarsson (Vestri) (assists: G. Einarsson)
65' subst Substitution 1 — B. Langa (Qarabag) (assists: E. Cafarquliyev)
65' subst Substitution 2 — O. Kashchuk (Qarabag) (assists: J. Mouaddib)
65' subst Substitution 3 — M. Jankovic (Qarabag) (assists: S. Lobato)
78' subst Substitution 4 — G. Hauksson (Vestri) (assists: B. Eydal)
79' subst Substitution 5 — B. Hermannsson (Vestri) (assists: J. Selven)
79' subst Substitution 4 — A. Zoubir (Qarabag) (assists: R. Cephas)
86' Goal Normal Goal — R. Cephas (Qarabag) (assists: Z. Sawo)
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