Our prediction for this Champions League match:
NK Olimpija Ljubljana
Match Time & Date:
11/07/2018
19:00 GMT
Prediction: 0-0
Qarabag
Stadion Stozice wil host Wednesday’s football match between Olimpija and Qarabag, who face each other in the first leg of the Champions League first qualifying round. Olimpija participated in the qualifiers for the elite competition two years ago when they suffered a loss to Slovakian side Trencin in the two-legged tie. Olimpija have big ambitions for the 2018/2019 Champions League campaign, but beating Qarabag in the two-legged tie is easier said than done. The Azerbaijan team won the national championship without any difficulties and they are now eyeing a European success. Qarabag coach Qurban Qurbanov has a number of quality players to choose from, but seeing that the Slovenian champions are tough to beat at home, there is a big value in betting on draw. It has to be noted that two teams meet for the first time ever on the international stage.
Highlighted Player (Richard):
Richard is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a midfielder at Qarabag of Azerbaijan. Richard Almeida de Oliveira was born on March 20, 1989 in Sao Paulo, Brazil and he started his senior career at Santo Andre. After making only four appearances in the league for the Brazilian club, he signed a loan deal with Portuguese side Gil Vicente. In 2012 he moved to Azerbaijan, signing a contract with Qarabag and he has been playing for the Atilar ever since. Richard impressed in his debut season with the club as he scored 13 goals in 30 appearances in the national championship for Qarabag. The 177-cm tall player made his Azerbaijan debut on June 10, 2017 in a 1-0 loss to Northern Ireland. His main position is central midfield, but he is capable of playing as both attacking midfielder and a left winger as well. It has to be noted that Richard’s contract with Qarabag should expire on June 30, 2018.
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.
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