Qarabag vs Ferencvaros Prediction, Preview, News, Odds: 27/8/2025

Qarabag delivered a statement performance in Hungary, dismantling Ferencvaros 3–1 in the first leg of their Champions League qualifier. It was not only their most convincing display of the campaign so far, but also a continuation of a flawless run across three qualifying rounds.

The Azerbaijani champions previously brushed aside Shkendija, overturning a first-leg defeat with a resounding 5–1 victory at home, and dominated Shelbourne in Ireland with a 3–0 win. Confidence is clearly high heading into the decisive return fixture in Baku, where Qarabag will look to make their home advantage count once again.

Ferencvaros Facing an Uphill Battle

For Ferencvaros, the dream of reaching the Champions League group stage now hangs by a thread. The 36-time Hungarian champions were punished in front of their home crowd during the first leg, exposing vulnerabilities that had already been hinted at days earlier when they suffered a shock 1–2 league defeat to Puskas Academy. That loss marked their first domestic setback of the 2025/26 season.

Although Ferencvaros were granted a full week without league action to prepare for the return match, the heavy deficit leaves them with a daunting task: they must score at least twice in Baku against a team that thrives on its own turf.

Team News and Key Players

Qarabag continue to manage injuries to Aleksey Isayev and new signing Joni Montiel, while reserve goalkeeper Amin Ramazanov also remains sidelined. However, their attacking firepower has more than compensated. Cape Verde international Patrick Andrade, Montenegrin playmaker Marko Jankovic, and youngster Nariman Akhundzade have already contributed multiple goals in this European run.

Departures over the summer included Yassine Benzia, Redon Xhixha, and Richard Almeyda, yet Qarabag’s recruitment has kept their frontline competitive. French forward Lenny Joseph, who joined permanently from Grenoble after a loan spell, has added further depth alongside new arrival Jonathan Levi from Puskas Academy.

Ferencvaros, meanwhile, are dealing with the absence of Mohammed Abu Fani and rising star Krisztofer Lisztes, both missing since the first leg. Striker Barnabás Varga, however, remains their biggest threat—having scored against Qarabag and notched a brace against Ludogorets earlier in qualifying.

Tactical Outlook

Qarabag will likely adopt their familiar approach at home: compact in defense, aggressive in transitions, and ruthless in finishing when chances come. Their record at this level is impressive, with nine wins in their last 14 home fixtures in Europe.

Ferencvaros cannot afford to sit back and will need to commit numbers forward, which may leave them exposed to Qarabag’s pace on the counter. Their challenge is compounded by a lack of recent cutting edge, having failed to win or score in their opening three Champions League games this campaign before the Qarabag tie.

Prediction

Qarabag have momentum, home advantage, and a two-goal cushion to protect. Ferencvaros may find the net through Varga or another late push, but the Azerbaijani side’s resilience and attacking form should carry them through.

Prediction: Qarabag 2:1 Ferencvaros