Sabah's Champions League debut
Sabah's long-awaited debut in the Champions League has taken place. Yes, it ended not the way we wanted, but perhaps the way we expected.
The Owls' opponent was simply too formidable. A debut match in Europe's premier club tournament, and at Old Trafford against Manchester United, no less. You have to admit, it was a very daunting billing. Nevertheless, the visitors did not disgrace themselves and tried to counter their opponent with their own game. Despite the concerns, Akim Zedadka did appear in Sabah's starting lineup after all. Steve Solvet was missing in the center of defense. He was replaced by Aiden McCarthy. Rahman Dashdamirov was next to him, and Timotei Puhach was on the left. They protected the goal of their captain, Stas Pokatilov. Nothing unexpected happened in the holding zone. Ivan Lepinjica and Umarali Rahmonaliev tried to withstand the Mancunians' midfield. It was important to do so, but the first half showed that, having intercepted the ball and taken control of the middle of the field, United began to use the flanks and passes into the center of the penalty area.
The attacking line consisted of Veljko Simic, Kahim Parris, Christian Nwachukwu and Joy-Lance Mikkels. Simic was behind striker Mikkels, while the other two took up positions on the flanks of the attack. Alas, there were few of these attacks in the first half. But Mikkels, by the way, had a good chance to score from close range — his header went a few centimeters wide of the post after a cross from Parris. Sometimes this formation transformed into a 4-3-3 with Simic shifting to the left side of midfield. In practice, however, things did not turn out quite as planned. The hosts' passes from the edge of the penalty area into the central area of the six-yard box bore fruit. First, such an attack ended with an assist from Dorgu to Matheus Cunha, and then Tielemans passed to Bruno Fernandes. A one-on-one and a proper finish from Benjamin Sesko put the score at 0:3 on the scoreboard by halftime. United played in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
It worked exactly the way Michael Carrick wanted. After the break, Sabah became somewhat more active, but not for long. The ball went back to the hosts. A goal scored by defender Martinez from close range increased the difference to four goals. In the 86th minute, Mikkels again had a chance to score, but after his shot the ball once again went past the post. That, perhaps, was not the end of the chances to score for Valdas Dambrauskas' players. Sabah put together a decent attack. After a cross from Mikkels, Mbina hit the crossbar with a header. Scoring the first goal was very important, and the team's desire to do so was very noticeable. Valdas Dambrauskas brought on Isayev, Mbina, Do Queiros, Khaybulayev and Almeida as substitutes. The Owls spent the final minutes on the attack, which is highly commendable. The English side, meanwhile, saw the game out for the win.
VALDAS DAMBRAUSKAS
HEAD COACH OF FC SABAH
I am proud of my team. This is our debut at this level, and perhaps deep down we expected a little more, so it was a bit disappointing how we conceded the goals — especially those two at the end of the first half. It was partly inexperience: when we had the opportunity to play, we tried to keep possession and control the game. Of course, United largely imposed their game on us, but I think we had our moments too.
However, it really would be impossible to blame Sabah for the defeat. The Baku club held up with dignity over the course of the match, offering their opponent due resistance. The difference in class did tell in the end.
MICHAEL CARRICK
HEAD COACH OF FC MANCHESTER UNITED
It's nice to keep a clean sheet and, of course, to win. There was a lot going on today. I think some of our attacking players were brilliant. At times the football was very good. We were dangerous in transition and defended well for most of the time. Credit must go to Sabah. They were really difficult to play against. They play short passes and make you chase the ball. The result looks convincing, but on the pitch it wasn't always that way. But I think we did a lot of things very well today. And that brought a good result.
Sabah began their historic journey in the Champions League with a defeat, but this evening will still go down in the history of Azerbaijani football. Old Trafford was a harsh exam for the Baku side — and now the main thing is not to forget that the debut chapter has been written, but the book is far from finished. Ahead lie new matches, new opponents and the opportunity to show that Sabah came to the Champions League not just for the experience.
EMIN AHMADOV
