Our prediction for this Champions League match:
There will be fireworks when Lech Poznan and Qarabag go head to head at Stadion Miejski in the Champions League 1st qualifying round, first leg. The Polish outfit were having their ups and downs in pre-season, with the team losing to both Widzew Lodz and Pogon, while beating Jagiellonia in their last test match. Lech aim to take advantage in the first leg, but this game will be anything but a walk in the park for the hosts.
Qarabag defenders should have Sweden international Mikael Ishak, who scored 18 goals in the Polish top flight last term. The Azeri, on the other hand, aim to take part in the Champions League group stages for the first time since the 2017/2018 season, but seeing that Lech are tough to beat at home, the share of spoils is on the cards. A man to watch in the away side will be Senegal striker Ibrahima Wadji, who is likely to prove a handful for the opposition back-line.
Highlighted Player (Thomas Rogne):
Thomas Rogne is a Norwegian footballer who plays for Polish club Lech Poznan as a centre-back. The experienced defender spent his youth career at Norwegian clubs Lommedalen and Stabaek, and he continue wearing the blue shirt at senior level.
Rogne then joined Scottish giants Celtic in the winter of 2020, signing a three and a half-year contract with the club. The Norwegian footballer scored two goals in 50 appearances in the Scotland Premiership for the Hoops. Before moving to Lech Poznan in 2018, the towering defender (193 cm) played for the likes of Wigan Athletic, and IFK Goteborg as well.
Thomas Rogne made his Norway debut on February 29, 2012 in a friendly match against Northern Ireland. The Norwegians won the game by three goals to nil, with Rogne playing all 90 minutes. The Lech Poznan defender wears the No. 4 jersey at the Polish club and his preferred foot is right.
Highlighted Team (Qarabag):
Over the years Qarabag have established themselves as one of the best teams in Azerbaijan. The club was founded in 1951 and they were playing under the name of Mehsul back then. Qarabag won their first trophy in the national championship in 1993, beating Khazar Sumgayit in the title game.
In the 2015/2016 season they won their fourth domestic trophy, with the team finishing the season 22 points clear of second-placed Zira. Qarabag participated in the 2016/2017 Champions League qualifiers, but they were more than unfortunate to suffer a loss to Viktoria Plzen in the two-legged tie. The Azerbaijan outfit were beaten by the Czechs on away goal rule and, as a result, they made it to the Europa League playoffs.
Thanks to a win over Goteborg in the double-header Qarabag made it to the knockout stages of the competition. The Horsemen play their home games at Azersun Arena and their home colours are black. Qarabag play their away games in white kits.