IFFHS has announced the longest unbeaten streak in European competition.
İdman.biz presents a similar series of Azerbaijani clubs in continental cups, Day.Az reports.
Of course, our representatives are far from Manchester City, which has not lost in 27 matches in a row. Moreover, a series of continental giants was associated with the main stages of European cups. Our clubs have established mixed series in qualifying and main stages. Of course, we also have our own Manchester City.
A long way to go in the Conference League
The record of Azerbaijan belongs to “Karabakh”. Gurban Gurbanov’s team has not lost for 11 games in a row. This coincided with the 2021/22 season, when our representative played in the Conference League. The Aghdam club, which ended the previous season with a technical defeat from Villarreal, went through three qualifying rounds in the new tournament, without losing in 6 matches. The only defeat in the group was against Basel in the last round. “Qarabag” did not lose in the main stage of 5 matches, but in only 11 meetings. During this period, 7 wins and 4 draws were recorded. Even if technical results are not taken into account at all, a draw with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the last meeting of the 2020/21 season could extend the streak to 12. But there are different approaches as to whether technical results are taken into account or not.
From playoffs to playoffs
The second longest series of Azerbaijani clubs consists of 7 games. We have witnessed this number 4 times. “Garabagh” became our first team that did not lose 7 times in a row. In 2009, Gurbanov’s team did not lose either in the return game or in the first three rounds of the next season after losing the first match of the Europa League playoffs against Twente. The first match of the playoffs was marked by 4 unanswered goals from Borussia Dortmund. The series consisted of 4 wins and 3 draws.
Three-season series
Inter became the first team to repeat the figure, which was considered a record for that time. The team’s series, now called Shamakhi, spanned three different seasons. The Baku representative, who spent the 2010/11 season victoriously, remained outside of Europe a year later. In the summer of 2012, the team finished the season without losing 4 games, and a year later played two matches in which they did not lose. The streak was broken when Tromso scored 2 unanswered goals in Norway. During this period there were 4 wins and 3 draws.
And again the Germans
In 2013, not only Inter, but also Qarabag broke another seven-game streak. Two years ago, Gurbanov’s team, which lost to Club Brugge with a score of 1:3 in the first match of the III stage of the Europa League, won the return match in Baku, but could not go to Europe next season. In the 2013/14 season, the team reached the playoffs without losing in the first three rounds, and again the German club became opponents. This time the series was interrupted not by Borussia, but by Eintracht. The Germans enjoyed two unanswered goals in the first game. The series was marked by 6 victories and 1 draw.
From Poland to Leverkusen
The last time Azerbaijani clubs did not lose at least 7 European Cup matches was last year. And again there was a series of “Qarabag”, interrupted by the German club… The Aghdam club, which began the second qualifying round of the Champions League with a 2:3 defeat from “Rakow” in Poland, played a draw at home. After falling into the Europa League, 4 matches in qualifying and 2 matches in the group ended without defeat. On the trip to Leverkusen, we failed to score points in the match with Bayer – 1:5. The seven-match part of the season was marked by 5 wins and 2 draws.
Let us note that in addition to the five best series, “Baku”, “Qarabag” and “Gabala” have not lost once in 6 matches in a row.
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Football Expert Dr. Elchin Mehdiyev
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Mehdiyev! We’re excited to have you here to discuss the recent announcement from the IFFHS regarding the longest unbeaten streaks in European competition. Notably, we see Manchester City leading the pack with an impressive 27-match streak. What are your thoughts on this milestone?
Dr. Mehdiyev: Thank you for having me! Manchester City’s unbeaten streak is indeed remarkable. It highlights not just their talent, but also the consistency and tactical prowess of their management. In professional football, maintaining form over such a long period, especially in competitive environments, is a testament to a club’s quality.
Editor: Absolutely! Interestingly, the article also mentions the achievements of Azerbaijani clubs, particularly Karabakh, which holds a record of 11 unbeaten matches in European competitions. How significant is this achievement for Azerbaijani football?
Dr. Mehdiyev: It’s a significant milestone for Azerbaijani football, indeed. Karabakh’s 11-match unbeaten streak, achieved during the 2021/22 season in the UEFA Conference League, showcases the potential of teams from Azerbaijan on the continental stage. It suggests that we can compete and perform well against international opposition, which is vital for the development of football in the region.
Editor: That’s a great perspective. Karabakh’s journey during that tournament seems to have garnered attention. Can you elaborate on their path during that season and how they managed to sustain such a formidable streak?
Dr. Mehdiyev: Certainly! In the 2021/22 season, Karabakh had an impressive run. They went through three qualifying rounds without a loss in six matches, which indicates strong teamwork and tactical execution. The streak of seven wins alongside four draws reflects their resilience and adaptability. Even in matches against tough opponents like Maccabi Tel Aviv and Basel, they showed they can hold their ground, even if they fell short in one match.
Editor: It’s interesting to note the discussion around technical results and how they affect the perception of these streaks. Do you think considering these technical losses shifts the narrative around club achievements?
Dr. Mehdiyev: Very much so. It can be controversial how we define unbeaten streaks, especially with technical defeats. For many fans, it’s about the match results, while others argue that any form of loss is still a mark against a team’s performance. The key takeaway here is that context matters. Karabakh’s record is commendable regardless, but how we frame those achievements can influence perception both locally and internationally.
Editor: Speaking of local achievements, the article also references several other Azerbaijani clubs with significant match streaks. What does this say about the competitive landscape of Azerbaijani football?
Dr. Mehdiyev: It indicates a growing competitiveness among our clubs. Teams like Garabakh have set benchmarks in terms of performance, which can inspire others in the league. When you have clubs not losing in multiple matches over different seasons, it enhances the overall level of competition and builds a stronger footballing culture domestically.
Editor: That’s a positive outlook. With clubs like Karabakh paving the way, what do you think the future holds for Azerbaijani football at the continental level?
Dr. Mehdiyev: I am optimistic. If clubs continue to invest in their infrastructure, youth programs, and coaching, we could see Azerbaijani teams becoming more prominent in European competitions. Success breeds success, and the more our teams perform well on the European stage, the more talent will be attracted to our leagues. With strategic development, there’s certainly potential for our clubs to make a mark in the future.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mehdiyev, for your insights! It’s clear that while we draw inspiration from teams like Manchester City, there’s plenty of potential and promise within Azerbaijani football.
Dr. Mehdiyev: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for football, and I look forward to seeing how our clubs continue to grow and evolve.