BAKU, Azerbaijan (Interstat) — Neftçi PFK defeated Qarabağ Ağdam FK 2-1 on Thursday, April 30, at Palms Sports Arena in the Premyer Liqa opener for both sides.

Emil Səfərov put Neftçi ahead in the 55th minute. Elvin Bədəlov doubled the lead in the 86th minute. Qarabağ’s Bassala Sambou pulled one back in second-half stoppage time, scoring in the 90th-plus-second minute, but Neftçi held on for the victory.

The win gave Neftçi a 1-0 record in both league play and all competitions. Qarabağ dropped to 0-1 in both categories. The match was the first of the new season for the Azerbaijan top flight.

Qarabağ, the visiting side, had been favored in pregame projections but struggled to generate consistent chances until late. Neftçi’s defense held firm after taking the lead, withstanding pressure in the final minutes to secure the three points. The result marked a strong start for the home team in front of its supporters at the Baku venue.