Slovakia bolstered their chances of automatic promotion from UEFA Nations League (UNL) Group C with a 3-1 victory over Azerbaijan in Baku. The Slovak Falcons extended their unbeaten run to four matches, moving closer to their goal of climbing to League B, while Azerbaijan’s struggles continue as they inch closer to relegation.
This thrilling encounter saw both teams battle it out under the floodlights. Key moments shaped the match’s outcome and offered plenty of excitement for football fans.
Azerbaijan’s Desperate Situation
Coming into this match, Azerbaijan was in dire need of points. They had endured a tough 3-1 loss to Estonia, which left them rooted to the bottom of Group C1. Head coach Fernando Santos knew that only a win would suffice to keep their faint hopes of survival alive.
The first half unfolded with both teams cautiously feeling each other out. However, the first real moment of action came in the 24th minute when Slovakia took the lead through a slice of bad luck for the home team. A dangerous cross from Dávid Hancko left Azerbaijan’s Rahil Mammadov scrambling, and his attempted clearance went wrong as he accidentally steered the ball into his net.
Azerbaijan’s Fightback
Despite the early setback, Azerbaijan refused to go down quietly. Minutes later, Toral Bayramov nearly leveled the score with a brilliant volley from close range, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Slovakia’s goalkeeper Marek Rodák. Sensing a comeback, the home crowd grew louder, urging their team to push forward.
Their persistence paid off just before halftime. Ramil Sheydaev delivered a pinpoint cross, and Bayramov made no mistake this time, heading the ball emphatically into the roof of the net to bring Azerbaijan level in the 38th minute. The game was back on, and it was anyone’s match.
Second Half Drama
Azerbaijan started the second half with renewed energy, determined to take the lead. They came close on multiple occasions, with Sheydaev and Bayramov combining again, but Bayramov’s header sailed just over the bar from inside the six-yard box. At that point, Azerbaijan seemed more likely to reach the decisive goal.
However, a moment of recklessness shifted the momentum firmly in Slovakia’s favor. Mahir Emreli, in a moment of frustration, committed a clumsy foul on Lukáš Haraslín and was shown a straight red card in the 69th minute. Now down to 10 men, Azerbaijan was left vulnerable, and Slovakia wasted no time capitalizing.
Slovakia’s Late Surge
Slovakia took full advantage of their numerical superiority. Within five minutes of Emreli’s dismissal, Haraslín delivered a spectacular goal, bending the ball beautifully into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area. The Azerbaijan defense was caught flat-footed, and the visitors surged ahead 2-1.
Slovakia sealed their victory in the 87th minute with a team effort. Ľubomír Tupta was played through on goal, but instead of going for glory, he unselfishly squared the ball to Dávid Ďuriš, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner. This third goal ended Azerbaijan’s hopes of a comeback and confirmed Slovakia’s dominance in the match.
Slovakia’s UNL Promotion Dream Alive
With this win, Slovakia climbed to the top of Group C1, putting themselves in pole position for promotion to League B. They have gone unbeaten in four matches (W3, D1), a testament to their solid form and determination under coach Francesco Calzona. The Slovak Falcons can now look optimistic as they aim for automatic promotion.
In contrast, Azerbaijan’s situation looks bleak. They remain at the bottom of the group without a single point from their four matches and appear destined for relegation to League D unless they can pull off a miraculous turnaround in their remaining fixtures.
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Conclusion
Slovakia’s 3-1 win over Azerbaijan was a well-earned result in a match filled with exciting moments and critical turning points. From own goals to red cards and late strikes, this game had it all. While Slovakia remains on course for promotion, Azerbaijan’s fortunes continue to dwindle, leaving their fans in despair. The next rounds of the UEFA Nations League will undoubtedly bring more drama and excitement, with plenty of action still to come.
This victory reinforces Slovakia’s quest for glory, and fans of the beautiful game won’t want to miss out on the rest of the competition. Follow the latest matches and place your winning bets on BangSports!