Sabah Baku Reaches Champions League Group Stage

Sabah FK of Baku, founded in 2017, have quickly risen to become a leading force in Azerbaijani football, winning the domestic title in 2025/26 and ending Qarabağ’s long-standing dominance. They achieved a historic breakthrough by reaching the UEFA Champions League league phase for the first time after a dramatic playoff against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, advancing 6-4 on aggregate thanks to a stoppage-time comeback. The club’s remarkable European run has made them the youngest team in the competition’s history to reach the league phase, signaling a significant shift for Azerbaijani football alongside Qarabağ’s previous appearances. This milestone comes after Sabah’s rapid ascent through four qualifying rounds, including victories over The New Saints, KuPS, and Aarhus, culminating in the playoff triumph in Baku. Sabah will join Italy’s Como as the first-time entrants in the 2026/27 league phase, marking Azerbaijan’s second club to reach this stage and expanding the country’s presence in European competition.