Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan 1-0 Lithuania: Nations League Drama in Baku
Abdulakh Khaybulaev’s 25th-minute strike proved decisive as Azerbaijan edged Lithuania 1-0 in a tense UEFA Nations League Group D encounter that finished with visiting defender Arvydas Kučys seeing red in stoppage time. The Millis stormed the Lithuanian box early, their relentless pressing paying dividends when Khaybulaev latched onto Tural Bayramov’s cutback to rifle home from 12 yards – the forward immediately booked for his overzealous celebration of Azerbaijan’s first competitive goal in 287 minutes.
Lithuania’s Possession Dominance Fails to Pay Off
Despite enjoying 62% possession and outpassing their hosts 519 to 326, Lithuania lacked cutting edge. Edgaras Utkus squandered their best chance before half-time, volleying over from eight yards after Vytautas Slivka’s inviting cross. The second half descended into a war of attrition – six yellow cards brandished before Kučys’ late dismissal for a dangerous lunge on Elvin Badalov. Azerbaijan’s Emil Safarov forced a spectacular save from Tomas Švedkauskas at 1-0, while Lithuania substitute Kipras Kazukolovas struck the post with a deflected 20-yarder in the 89th minute.
Three Points That Change Everything for Azerbaijan
This result lifts Aykhan Abbasov’s side off the bottom of Group D and leaves Lithuania facing Nations League relegation. For Azerbaijan’s 12,000-strong crowd at Baku Olympic Stadium, it was a rare night to celebrate – Khaybulaev’s clinical finish capping their best performance since June. Lithuania’s frustration boiled over late on, their 13 fouls and 16 shots yielding nothing. Manager Eligijus Jankauskas must regroup quickly with tougher tests ahead, while Azerbaijan can build momentum from this gritty defensive masterclass.
Key Moments
25′ ⚽ Azerbaijan — Abdulakh khaybulaev (assist: Tural Bayramov)
90+7′ 🟥 Lithuania — A. Kučys sent off
