In a commanding display at the Neftci Arena, Neftchi Baku overwhelmed Kapaz with a decisive 5-1 victory on November 1, 2025. The match, part of the Premyer Liqa regular season, saw Neftchi seize the opportunity to significantly boost their confidence and standings while leaving Kapaz searching for answers in a challenging campaign.
From the outset, Neftchi Baku showcased a potent offensive that had been bubbling beneath the surface in recent matches. After a slow start to the season, today marked a turning point for them, as they opened the scoring with a goal from Vincent Aboubakar, who found the net in the 23rd minute. That early strike not only provided momentum for Neftchi but also seemed to deflate the already struggling Kapaz, who had entered the match at the bottom of the league.
In a typical high-stakes environment, both teams battled fiercely, but it was Neftchi's offensive firepower that made the day memorable. An apparent penalty kick in the 19th minute showcased their aggressive approach; however, it was unclear who took the shot. Regardless, they were unable to convert early on, which might have set a different tone for the match had they succeeded.
After establishing a rhythm, Neftchi Baku doubled their lead later in the match, with an unrecognized player scoring in the 74th minute. Just three minutes later, Kapaz pulled one back to make it 2-1, stirring a glimmer of hope among their supporters. Yet, the momentary spark was quickly extinguished as Neftchi responded with urgency, securing goals in the 87th and 90+1 minutes from unnamed players, sealing the comprehensive victory that reflected not just the scoreline but the overall dominance throughout the match.
This win propelled Neftchi Baku to seventh place in the standings, now sitting with 13 points from ten matches (2 wins, 7 draws, and 1 loss). Meanwhile, Kapaz remained in a grim twelfth position, still reeling from a dismal season marked by just one win and eight losses, totaling only four points.
Reflecting on the pre-match expectations, it is clear that I overshot the potential for a close contest, as my earlier prediction of a tight encounter fell flat amid Neftchi's offensive exhibition. While I anticipated a hard-fought battle, it was apparent that Kapaz's struggles to maintain defensive integrity would lead them to a tough afternoon. The contrasting recent forms of both teams certainly foreshadowed the outcomes seen today, with Neftchi building on their cup win against MOIK just days earlier and Kapaz floundering following their last league defeat.
Looking ahead, Neftchi Baku will travel to face Qarabag in their next match on November 9, aiming to build on this momentum and push for a better position in the league. Meanwhile, Kapaz will face Sabah FA on the same day, desperate to find a way to turn their fortunes around. As the season progresses, both teams will have to adapt; for Neftchi, capitalizing on this newfound confidence will be essential, while Kapaz must regroup quickly to avoid further emboldening opponents at the bottom of the standings. The stakes remain high for both, but today's match could have profound implications for their respective paths forward.