The UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round presents a fascinating clash of ambition and experience as North Macedonian champions Shkëndija host their Azerbaijani counterparts, Qarabağ, in the first leg. This pivotal encounter at the National Arena Todor Proeski in Skopje pits a Shkëndija side, buoyed by an impressive run, against a seasoned Qarabağ team that is a familiar face in the latter stages of European qualifiers. With a potential spot in the lucrative group stage on the line, the stakes are incredibly high for both clubs.
Shkëndija’s journey to this stage has been nothing short of eye-catching, most notably their gritty victory over FCSB, a club with a previous group stage pedigree. They enter this tie as underdogs but with a confidence born from their recent successes. Qarabağ, on the other hand, are well-versed in this competition, and their dominant performance in the previous round against Shelbourne demonstrated their quality. Their experience and tactical nous will be their biggest assets in this tough away fixture.
Match Details
- Competition: UEFA Champions League Third Qualifying Round (First Leg)
- Location: Skopje, North Macedonia
- Stadium: National Arena Todor Proeski
- Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 2:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM BST
- Indian Time (IST): 11:30 PM IST (Tuesday, August 5, 2025)
- Referee: Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)
Head-to-Head & Form Guide
There is no known competitive head-to-head record between Shkëndija and Qarabağ. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two clubs. As a result, recent form and tactical analysis become even more critical in predicting the outcome of this tie.
Shkëndija:
Shkëndija’s form is a testament to their domestic dominance and growing European presence. They have built an impressive run of seven matches unbeaten across all competitions, including crucial wins in the qualifiers. Their victory over FCSB, particularly the resilient away performance, showed that they are not a team to be underestimated. Key players for the home side include striker Besart Ibraimi, who is expected to lead the line, and midfielder Kamer Qaka, whose return from suspension will be a major boost. Shkëndija’s home form has been solid, and they will look to leverage this advantage to take a lead into the second leg.
- July 30, 2025: FCSB 1–2 Shkëndija (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 22, 2025: Shkëndija 1–0 FCSB (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 15, 2025: Shkëndija 2–1 TNS (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 8, 2025: TNS 0–0 Shkëndija (Champions League Qualifying)
Qarabağ:
Qarabağ are veterans of European qualifiers, and their experience at this level is a significant advantage. Their dominant 4-0 aggregate victory over Shelbourne in the previous round showcased their quality and attacking depth. Gurban Gurbanov’s men have won three of their last four competitive away outings, including a convincing 3-0 win in Dublin. The team will be looking to their attacking trident of Leandro Andrade, Abdellah Zoubir, and Nariman Akhundzade to create chances. The tactical discipline and experience of Qarabağ will be key to their success in a hostile away environment.
- July 30, 2025: Qarabağ 1–0 Shelbourne (Champions League Qualifying)
- July 22, 2025: Shelbourne 0–3 Qarabağ (Champions League Qualifying)
- May 24, 2025: Shamakhi 0–1 Qarabağ (Azerbaijan Premier League)
- May 18, 2025: Qarabağ 2–0 Araz Naxçıvan (Azerbaijan Premier League)
Tactical Analysis & Key Players
This match is a classic encounter of a determined underdog with home advantage against an experienced, tactically astute favorite. Shkëndija will likely start aggressively, aiming to take control of the midfield and put pressure on Qarabağ’s defense. The home side’s ability to play with a high tempo and their strength on the counter will be key. Qarabağ, on the other hand, will be patient, trying to exploit any defensive lapses from the hosts. Their wide players, particularly Leandro Andrade and Abdellah Zoubir, will be crucial in creating chances and stretching the Shkëndija defense. The battle in midfield, specifically the duel between Shkëndija’s deep-lying playmaker and Qarabağ’s central midfielders, will likely determine the outcome of the match.
How to Watch Shkëndija vs. Qarabağ on TV, Live Stream
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports |
| North Macedonia | N/A |
| Azerbaijan | N/A |
| United States | N/A |
| India | N/A |
In the United Kingdom, this match is scheduled to be broadcast on TNT Sports. For other regions, check local sports broadcasters or streaming services, as these matches can be difficult to find on mainstream channels. It is also common for clubs to provide streams on their official websites or YouTube channels for European qualifiers.
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
Mobile & PC | Auto Quality
