By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
Qarabag became the first Azerbaijani team to reach the UEFA Europa League Last 16 after defeating Portuguese club Braga 6-5 on aggregate after extra time in the second leg of the playoffs on Thursday.
Braga finished regular time of the second leg match 2-0 in front against a 10-man Azerbaijani side as Elvin Cafarguliyev was sent off in the 57th minute, with goals by Roger Fernandes and Alvaro Djalo. The match continued with extra time at Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku.
Matheus Silva gave Qarabag hope by scoring in the 102nd minute, but Braga's Simon Banza leveled the aggregate once more with a goal from a penalty kick in the 115th minute.
Nariman Akhundzade tallied the late winner for Qarabag in the 122nd minute to carry his team to the historic Round of 16.