Bulgaria's CSKA Sofia earned a valuable 0-0 draw away against Azerbaijan’s Qarabag in the first match of the second qualifying round of the Europa League, putting in their strongest performance since the start of the season and securing a promising result ahead of the return leg in Sofia.
The Bulgarian side, coached by Hristo Yanev, defended well and limited Qarabag’s opportunities by closing down space in midfield. However, CSKA struggled to find the final touch needed to turn their attacks into goals.
Striker Ioannis Pitas had the first opportunity of the match in the sixth minute, but his effort did not trouble home goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.
Qarabag appeared to have taken the lead in the 58th minute through Kadi Borges, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Two minutes later, Leandro Godoy attempted a header, though it was easily handled by Kochalski.
The Azerbaijani side came closest to scoring late in the match. Ten minutes before the final whistle, CSKA goalkeeper Ventsislav Lapouhov saved Pedro Bicalho’s long-range effort, while midfielder Jean-Pierre Gbamin cleared the rebound with a header, almost sending the ball into his own net.
