Qarabag edged a five-goal thriller against Araz Nakhchivan on Sunday, claiming a pulsating 3-2 victory in the Azerbaijan Premier League. The defending-heavy fixture was anything but cautious, as both teams committed men forward and produced an entertaining encounter that swung one way and then the other before Qarabag ultimately took the spoils.

From the opening minutes, Qarabag established control and pressed high up the pitch. Their midfield dominated possession, and it was no surprise when they took an early lead through a well-worked team move. A nicely timed pass opened the Araz defence, allowing the home forward to beat the goalkeeper at his near post. The early breakthrough settled Qarabag, and they doubled their advantage with a thunderous finish from the edge of the area following a corner routine.

Just when the contest seemed to be slipping away from Araz Nakhchivan, the visitors found a lifeline. A defensive lapse in the Qarabag back line let the striker in one-on-one, and he made no mistake to reduce the deficit before halftime. The goal gave Araz renewed belief, and they came out with far more urgency after the restart.

Qarabag restored their two-goal cushion when their winger cut inside onto his stronger foot and curled a stunning effort into the top corner, a strike worthy of winning any match. Yet Araz continued to fight to the very end and set up a nervy finale by scoring again in the closing stages after a scramble inside the six-yard box. Despite heavy pressure in added time, Qarabag held firm to secure all three points.

The result keeps Qarabag firmly in the title conversation in the Azerbaijan Premier League standings, while Araz Nakhchivan can take heart from their resilience. Nevertheless, defensive concentration remains an issue for the visitors, who twice allowed Qarabag to skip clear in a game that could have been settled earlier. Qarabag’s attacking firepower proved the difference on the night, and that attacking threat will make them a difficult opponent for any side in the division.