Lech Poznan vs Qarabag – Over the past three decades, Qarabag has developed a strong reputation in Europe by competing in 18 editions of UEFA club competitions, including seven seasons in the Champions League, thirteen in the UEFA Cup or Europa League, and two in the Cup Winners’ Cup.
When they reached the promised land in the 2017–18 season, they became the first Azerbaijani team to advance to the Champions League group stage. Their quest to repeat that success begins in early July with a trip to Poznan.
The team led by veteran coach Gurban Gurbanov participated in the inaugural Europa Conference League last season and did well in Group H, winning three games and losing just one.
As a result, Qarabag came in second place, trailing Basel, but lost to Marseille in the ensuing round of playoffs for the tournament’s last 16.
The Horsemen returned to the top of the podium last season and qualified for the Champions League preliminaries as national champions after finishing runners-up in the Azerbaijan Premier League at the end of the 2020–21 season—the club’s first title-winning failure in eight years.
After a brief hiatus, friendlies against Botosani, Holstein Kiel, and Universitatea Craiova were played, from which Gurbanov’s team won all three, preparing them well for the upcoming challenge. This came after completing the double by winning the cup at the end of May.
Lech Poznan, in comparison, had lost two of their three exhibition games since resuming play on June 24. However, a 2-1 victory over Jagiellonia Bialystok on Tuesday helped to at least lift spirits.
The Polish champions begin the 2022–23 season following a period of upheaval. Former manager Maciej Skorza has been replaced in the dugout by ex-Anderlecht manager John van den Brom, while young prospect Jakub Kaminski has left for the Bundesliga.
Lech are trying to have an impact on Europe after celebrating the club’s 100th anniversary by winning the Ekstraklasa trophy for the eighth time — their first championship in seven years.
The Railwaymen have only made four Europa League or UEFA Cup group stage appearances since the turn of the century, with their lone knockout stage qualifier from 2011 concluding in the last 32.
When his team attempts to capitalise on home advantage on Tuesday, its new coach will be anxious to win over the supporters by taking a first step towards the Champions League’s group phase.
Lech Poznan vs Qarabag – Betting Analysis
Both teams are capable of scoring goals and, as reigning domestic champions, are accustomed to seizing the lead. Both teams may have opportunities due to a desire to take the first-leg lead, although Lech is expected to start the season strong under their new boss.
Since they have never met, it is impossible to determine their level of competitiveness when playing against one another. In such scenario, we must examine each of their forms as they appear in their different patches.
Lech Poznan has recently been playing well at home. In their domestic league games, they hold a perfect record. With that exception, they fell short in the Polish Cup final to Rakow despite having the home field advantage.
On the other hand, Qarabag has recently had a strong away record in league games. With that exception, they have won an Azerbaijan Cup semifinal match this year and lost a Europa League match.
According to our analysis of all the aforementioned statistics, Lech Poznan may end up winning this game. They are stronger than Qarabag in comparison. However, given their recent performance, we anticipate a close match between them.
Lech Poznan vs Qarabag – Head-to-Head
Our Prediction: Away Win or Draw
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