Cebrayil produced one of the most emphatic results of the Azerbaijan First Division season on 22 October 2026, dismantling PFK Zaqatala 7-0 at the Cebrayil City Stadium. The hosts scored early, controlled the tempo throughout, and turned a competitive opening into a rout with a ruthless second-half display that underlined their attacking potential.

Match overview

Cebrayil set the tone inside the first ten minutes, pressing high and forcing Zaqatala into repeated turnovers in midfield. The early breakthrough settled any nerves, and by half-time the home side had built a comfortable lead. After the interval, Cebrayil accelerated, scoring at regular intervals as Zaqatala’s defence struggled to cope with the movement of the front line and the speed of the home side’s transitions.

Elvin Mammadov led the way with a hat-trick, while Rauf Aliyev added a brace. Tural Huseynov and Kamran Guliyev completed the scoring as Cebrayil recorded a statement victory in front of their home supporters.

Key moments

• 7' — Elvin Mammadov opens the scoring after a quick counter-attack down the right.
• 23' — Rauf Aliyev doubles the lead with a powerful header from a corner.
• 41' — Mammadov taps in his second from close range after a low cross.
• 54' — Tural Huseynov curls a fourth into the far corner from the edge of the box.
• 63' — Aliyev capitalises on a defensive error to make it 5-0.
• 78' — Mammadov completes his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
• 86' — Kamran Guliyev rounds off the scoring with a low drive from inside the area.

Tactical story

Cebrayil lined up in an aggressive 4-3-3, with the front three constantly rotating and dragging Zaqatala’s back line out of shape. The midfield trio pressed in unison, winning second balls and launching quick attacks before the visitors could reorganise. Zaqatala attempted to defend in a compact 4-4-2 block, but once the first goal went in, their shape became increasingly stretched.

The home side’s width was particularly effective. Both full-backs pushed high, creating overloads on the flanks and allowing the wide forwards to drift inside. Zaqatala’s attempts to counter were limited to long balls forward, which were comfortably dealt with by Cebrayil’s centre-backs. As the game wore on, the physical and mental toll of chasing shadows told, and the closing goals came almost inevitably.

Standout players

Mammadov was the obvious headline-maker, combining sharp movement with clinical finishing. Aliyev’s brace highlighted his aerial threat and willingness to run in behind, while Huseynov dictated play from midfield and capped his performance with a fine goal. Goalkeeper Orkhan Bayramov was rarely tested but handled crosses confidently to preserve the clean sheet.

Season impact

The three points strengthen Cebrayil’s position in the Azerbaijan First Division standings and give their promotion push a significant boost, particularly with the goal-difference swing. For Zaqatala, the result is a severe setback that will require a swift response in their next fixture. Cebrayil will look to carry the momentum into their next league match, while Zaqatala must regroup defensively after a chastening evening.