Araz Nakhchivan 2-2 Turan Tovuz — a stoppage-time equaliser from Elvin Rahimov rescued a point for Araz Nakhchivan as they drew 2-2 with Turan Tovuz in the Azerbaijan Premier League at the Nakhchivan City Stadium on Sunday evening.

Match Overview

Played under the lights with a 20:30 kick-off, the contest developed into the kind of open, end-to-end fixture that has become a feature of this season's Misli Premyer Liqası. Araz started the brighter of the two sides, pressing high and forcing Turan into a string of hurried clearances, and they were rewarded for that early pressure with the opening goal. Turan, however, grew into the game and twice looked to have taken control of the scoreline before Rahimov's late intervention.

The result leaves both clubs level on points in the mid-table cluster, a position that reflects the inconsistency that has defined their campaigns so far.

Key Moments

• 23' — Araz Nakhchivan 1-0: Nijat Gurbanov converted from the penalty spot after a Turan defender was adjudged to have handled inside the area, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way.
• 41' — 1-1: Turan responded before the break, Kamran Aliyev arriving late at the back post to turn in a low cross from the right.
• 67' — 1-2: The visitors completed the turnaround when Orkhan Sadiqov drove forward from midfield and curled a shot beyond the reach of the Araz keeper.
• 90+3' — 2-2: With the clock running down, Araz won a corner and Rahimov rose highest at the near post to head home and spark wild celebrations.

Tactical Story

Araz set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 and looked to spring quickly through the channels, while Turan built patiently from the back with a back three that became a five whenever they lost possession. That shape gave Turan control of the ball for long spells after the interval, but it also left space in behind for Araz's wide forwards, a weakness that ultimately cost them the win.

The substitution patterns told the story of the second half: Turan's coach looked to slow the tempo and protect the lead, while Araz threw on an extra attacker and switched to a direct, cross-heavy approach that paid dividends in the third minute of added time.

Standout Players

Gurbanov was Araz's most dangerous outlet throughout, combining penalty-box instincts with a willingness to drop deep and link play. Rahimov, who had been relatively quiet before his goal, produced the moment of the night with a header of real conviction. For Turan, Aliyev was excellent — his movement created room for both of his side's goals — and Sadiqov's driving runs from deep repeatedly broke Araz's midfield line.

What the Draw Means

Both sides remain separated by goal difference in the standings, and the dropped points will frustrate Turan in particular given they led with less than half an hour to play. For Araz, the late goal preserves an unbeaten home run and offers a psychological lift ahead of a demanding run of fixtures. On this evidence, the return fixture in Tovuz later in the season should be well worth watching.