
Qarabag FK’s manager, Gurban Gurbanov, was visibly frustrated after his team’s 3-0 Europa League loss to Ajax, attributing the outcome partly to contentious refereeing decisions.
Playing at home in Baku, Qarabag went down to ten men early on after midfielder Julio Romão received a red card from referee Nick Walsh. The decision sparked outrage from Gurbanov, who saw it as the turning point in what he initially thought would be a competitive clash.
Gurbanov commented: “Yes, the players need to be more careful. But if fouls like this result in red cards, why are we still playing football? In both cases, the opposition acted first. I found some of the referee’s choices very questionable.”
Despite the disappointment, Gurbanov found positives, remarking on his team’s performance against a major European club. “We need to pay closer attention to the small details, but if we keep playing like this, results will come. Matches against teams like Ajax prepare us to face bigger challenges.”
Ajax Capitalise on Qarabag’s Misfortune with Decisive Win
Ajax struggled initially against Qarabag’s dynamic play, but the game shifted after Romão’s red card. Ajax took control, scoring shortly after with Kenneth Taylor capitalising on a rebound. Referee Walsh later dismissed Qarabag’s Juninho, a second controversial decision that removed any remaining tension from the match. Ajax then added two more goals, with Wout Weghorst converting a penalty and Chuba Akpom sealing the victory.
Oyun başa çatdı!#QarabağFK pic.twitter.com/HfkNWC0FWe
— Qarabağ FK (@FKQarabagh) October 24, 2024
Gurbanov Calls for Fairer Refereeing
Gurbanov emphasised that his frustration was not directed personally at the referee but rather at what he perceives as a bias against smaller clubs. “When a team is already one man down and the ref adds another red card, you have to wonder. I don’t want to hold back referees; I want to help them improve. But it would be better if they came with a fairer, more positive approach towards clubs like ours,” he remarked.
Ajax’s Tactical Choices Pay Off
Ajax manager Mauricio Farioli made several strategic decisions before the match, including starting Wout Weghorst, who recently proved effective as a substitute. The decision paid off, as Weghorst was instrumental in keeping the pressure on Qarabag. “We have to prepare Wout’s rhythm ahead of big games against Feyenoord and PSV,” Farioli noted.
After the final whistle, Ajax’s Mika Godts, who assisted in creating their opening goal, received praise for his sharp play. Farioli’s tactical choices continue to strengthen Ajax’s grip on a Europa League knockout phase spot, with the Dutch side now boasting seven points from three games.
Site Opinion
Qarabag’s defeat highlights the ongoing challenge smaller clubs face against well-established teams, both on the field and with officiating. Gurban Gurbanov’s frustration is understandable; refereeing decisions can heavily influence matches, particularly in European competitions where smaller teams rely on every edge to compete fairly. Romão’s red card, though perhaps justified by the letter of the law, effectively tilted the balance too early, denying Qarabag a fair chance to showcase their potential.
For Ajax, the match demonstrates the value of smart squad management. Coach Farioli’s choice to start Weghorst and Godts, players showing peak form, proved essential in breaking down Qarabag’s resistance. With high-stakes domestic fixtures ahead, Ajax’s momentum from the Europa League is crucial, while Qarabag will need to channel their frustration constructively to progress further in the competition.
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