Neftchi PFK defeated Qarabag FK 2-1 on April 30, 2026, ending an 18-match winless streak against their rivals. The match took place at Palms Sports Arena in Baku. This victory marked a significant moment in the Qarabag vs Neftchi rivalry.
Before this match, Neftchi had not beaten Qarabag since May 19, 2021. In their previous encounter on April 29, 2026, Qarabag won decisively with a score of 5-1. However, this recent defeat has implications for both teams.
Both teams faced football fines after the match. Qarabag FK received an 8,000 manats ($4,700) fine due to abusive language from their supporters. Neftchi PFK was fined 700 manats ($410) after five players received yellow cards during the game.
The Azerbaijan Premier League standings reflect these changes. After the victory, Neftchi moved up to fourth place with 47 points. Meanwhile, Qarabag has accumulated 59 points after 29 matches.
This season also saw Sabah becoming champions of the Azerbaijan Premier League for the first time in history. The league continues to be competitive as teams vie for better placements.
The next matches will be crucial for both Neftchi and Qarabag as they navigate the remainder of the season. Each team must address their disciplinary issues to avoid further penalties.