Sabah FK vs The New Saints
Bank Respublika Arena
P. Gryckiewicz
2026/2027
Match Report
Sabah Baku made a confident start to their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign, defeating The New Saints 2-0 at the Bank Respublika Arena on Tuesday. Veljko Simić's second-half header proved to be the defining moment, breaking a deadlock that had held for over an hour.
The Azerbaijani side opened the scoring on 66 minutes when Simić powered home a header from a Tymoteusz Puchacz assist. Sabah wrapped things up through substitute Kaheem Parris, who added the second in the 84th minute with Simić turning provider. It wasn't entirely smooth — Steve Solvet was dismissed in stoppage time after collecting a second yellow card at 90+2, ending his evening on a sour note.
The result leaves Sabah Baku firmly in control ahead of the second leg next week. TNS now face a daunting task, needing to overturn a two-goal deficit away from home to keep their European adventure alive.
Match Events
28'
J. Mickels(Foul)
45+2'
A. Zedadka(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
45+2'
J. Williams(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
60'
62'
S. Solvet(Foul)
66'
68'
77'
77'
83'
D. Williams(Foul)
84'
89'
90+2'
S. Solvet(Foul)
90+4'
(Foul)J. Mickels
28'
(Unsportsmanlike conduct)A. Zedadka
45+2'
45+2'
J. Williams(Unsportsmanlike conduct)
(Foul)S. Solvet
62'
66'
68'
77'
77'
83'
D. Williams(Foul)
84'
89'
(Foul)S. Solvet
90+2'
90+4'
Head to Head
2
Sabah FK wins
0
Draws
0
The New Saints wins
Goals: 4 - 1
