The adventures of Stanislav Cherchesov in European competitions continue. In the 3rd round of the qualifying stage of the Champions League, Ferencvaros, led by a Russian specialist, went to visit Azerbaijan’s Qarabag. The trip was not easy, but ended in favor of Cherchesov.

Throughout the match, Ferencváros had to overcome himself psychologically, and the players would hardly have coped without their coach. The Hungarians got a draw on the most difficult trip, and Cherchesov played an important role in this.

Motivational talent decides!

Finishing Parade

The first half turned out to be quite equal, although the support at the stadium in Baku was crazy for Karabakh. If someone believed that Ferencváros would be easy, then all illusions should have evaporated quickly. The name of the Azerbaijani club is not as loud as that of the Hungarians, but the composition is no worse. Therefore, Cherchesov, of course, bet on an early goal. After scoring, his team could step back and play calmly in a row.

The plan succeeded. Already in the 17th minute after the standard play, the ball darted around the penalty area and hit the crossbar first, and then – from the head of Frank Pain – into the hosts’ goal. Cherchesov was pleased, although he traditionally hid his emotions, not wanting to seem like a boy. Yes, and experience probably told Stanislav Salamovich: victory is still far away.

Photo: © Denis Bushkovsky / Match TV

Indeed, in the 34th minute, Qarabag bounced back. The hosts earned a free kick in the immediate vicinity of the Ferencváros goal. A strong low kick – and the ball hits the post, and the striker from Ghana, Owusu Kwabena, is the first to finish. The stands rejoice, and the players enjoy their indomitable roar.

The end of the half was dictated by Qarabag, which, in a fit of emotions, crushed and even scored the second goal. However, his referees had to cancel: Ferencvaros saved offside.

Pragmatism and duty

After the break, it became completely clear: Cherchesov and his wards would be quite satisfied with a draw on the road. They defended themselves more and more, realizing that “Karabakh” was on the verge and it was necessary to besiege it. The hosts controlled the ball and periodically made good approaches, but it did not reach dangerous moments. Ferencváros was more looking for happiness in counterattacks, but the Hungarians were not sharp either.

Photo: © Denis Bushkovsky / Match TV

Toward the end of the team is clearly tired. There was much more struggle in the center of the field, and the attacks no longer came out so fast. The ball flew over the top more, not reaching the free kicks. Qarabag still had the initiative – such was their master’s duty to their fans. However, the fire that burned under the feet of the Azerbaijani footballers at the end of the first half and the beginning of the second was no longer noticeable. It seems that this is what the guests were counting on.

The explosion nearly happened in the 85th minute. Zenit’s pupil Ramil Sheydayev, who now plays for Qarabag, beat a defender on the flank and made a dangerous cross into the penalty area. The partner did not have enough centimeter to close the transfer! Sheydayev himself entered the game quite well, appearing from the bench. He constantly aggravated the situation on his left flank with the help of dribbling and literally led the Qarabag game in the last minutes.

Ramil Sheydayev / Photo: © Denis Bushkovsky / Match TV

Classic Cherchesov

In general, Ferencvaros and, above all, Cherchesov can be praised. The atmosphere of the game in Baku was reminiscent of a trip to Istanbul. Local fans created such a noise that the guests who came from chamber Europe must have been extremely uncomfortable. It was especially noticeable after they missed.

However, during the break, Cherchesov, apparently, had the right conversation with the players and, in fact, saved Ferencvaros from defeat. In the second half, the players were no longer nervous, but calmly endured the starting onslaught of Karabakh in order to bring the match with a tired opponent to a draw. It was important not to panic and fall apart – and here Cherchesov’s emotional restraint played a role. His teams have always been able to endure – this is a real classic. The Russian specialist is one step closer to the Champions League. And it will definitely be easier at home.

Champions League. Qualification. Third qualifying round. The first match

Qarabag (Azerbaijan) – Ferencvaros (Hungary) – 1:1 (1:1)

Goals: Owusu, 34. – Pain, 17.