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The Champions League qualifying rounds continue with a high-stakes clash between Ferencváros and Qarabağ, two clubs that have breezed through earlier rounds but now face their toughest test yet. Both sides arrive in strong form, yet their recent records and squad dynamics suggest different trajectories heading into this tie.
Ferencváros’ Strong Momentum
Ferencváros advanced by comfortably eliminating Ludogorets in the previous round, sealing the tie with a 3-0 home win after a first-leg draw. Earlier, they overcame Noah FC of Armenia, winning both matches 2-1 and 4-3. The Hungarian champions have not lost in regulation time since February 20, when they fell to Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League knockout stages. Their only other stumble came in the Hungarian Cup final, which was decided on penalties.
Domestically, Ferencváros have begun their title defense with a strong showing, posting victories against Nyíregyháza (4-1) and Kazincbarcika (3-0), with their weekend clash against Puskás Akadémia seen as another key test of form. Their attacking play has been a standout, spearheaded by Barnabás Varga, who scored twice against Ludogorets and has already opened his league account this season.
The squad has welcomed back Serbian forward Aleksandar Pešić, who hit nine league goals last year, while rising star Zsombor Gruber has impressed since returning from loan, delivering goals and assists early in the campaign. Departures have hit hard—Mohamed Ben Romdhane (to Al Ahly), Jair Saldanha (10 goals last year), and Kady Borges (to Qarabağ) have all left gaps. Still, reinforcements like Lenny Joseph and Jonathan Levi (11 goals for Puskás last season) ensure their attack remains dangerous.
Injuries, however, are a concern. Key players Adama Traoré, Mohammed Abu Fani, and Tosin Kehinde are sidelined, reducing midfield depth.
Qarabağ’s Ruthless Efficiency
Qarabağ arrive in Budapest with confidence after two dominant qualifying rounds. They swept past Shelbourne (3-0, 1-0) before dismantling Shkëndija of North Macedonia with a 6-1 aggregate score, including a 5-1 home rout. Laurent Blanc’s side has shown both defensive stability and attacking firepower, though their weekend domestic opener against Sabah Baku provided a sterner challenge.
Summer signing Kady Borges, ironically from Ferencváros, has already marked his Qarabağ career with a goal against Shkëndija and could prove decisive against his former club. Around him, the Azeri champions boast multiple threats: Leandro Andrade, last season’s top scorer with 15 goals, Nariman Akhundzade (9 goals), and Montenegro international Marko Janković. All three found the net in the Shkëndija second leg, underlining Qarabağ’s depth in attack.
The club has lost some firepower, notably Yassine Benzia (Al Fayha), Redon Xhixha (Belouizdad), and midfielder Richard Almeida, but new recruits such as Chriso and Samy Mmaee have strengthened the group. Injuries remain an obstacle—Isayev is still sidelined, while recent arrival Jonathan Montiel (from Rayo Vallecano) has yet to make his debut due to fitness issues.
Prediction
On current form, Ferencváros appear well-placed to edge this tie. They have strung together an unbeaten run stretching back months, with seven straight victories across competitions, and their home form is formidable. Qarabağ, by contrast, have struggled on their travels in recent Champions League campaigns, suffering four defeats in their last five away games.
Expect Ferencváros’ attacking trio of Varga, Gruber, and Levi to test Qarabağ’s defense relentlessly. While the visitors carry enough firepower to threaten, the Hungarian champions’ momentum and depth should see them through.
Prediction: Ferencváros 2:0 Qarabağ
