Shkendija vs Qarabag: UEFA Champions League Prediction (05.08.2025)

On Tuesday, August 5, at 20:00 CET, at the Ecolog Arena in Tetovo, local football club Shkendija will host Qarabag from Aghdam in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the 2025–2026 UEFA Champions League. To reach this stage of qualification, the North Macedonian team defeated Welsh side New Saints and Romanian club Steaua. The Azerbaijani side in the previous round easily dealt with Irish outfit Shelbourne.

In the Shkendija – Qarabag matchup, bookmakers fully favor the club from Aghdam. Betting on the “Red and Blacks” to win the first match is offered at odds of 4.85, and to advance to the next round at 3.96. For the “Horsemen,” the same markets are priced at 1.75 and 1.25 respectively. Experts do not expect a very high-scoring game from these opponents: over 2.5 goals is priced at 2.08, and for both teams to score at 1.96.

Shkendija

Yaton Bechiri’s team was considered an underdog in the previous qualifying round against Bucharest’s Steaua. And the “Red and Blacks” seemed to feel quite comfortable in that status. Giving up the initiative in both matches, the team played effectively on counterattacks. In midfield, Shkendija’s players were not shy about imposing tight and even rough football.

Be that as it may, at home the “Red and Blacks” beat FCSB 1–0, and away managed an impressive 2–1 comeback win. Thanks to this, Shkendija became only the second Macedonian team after Vardar to play in the main draw of European competitions. In any case, the team is guaranteed at least a place in the general stage of the UEFA Conference League.

Qarabag

Gurban Gurbanov’s team has much higher ambitions. Last season they played in the main stage of the Europa League, although they failed to achieve even minimal success there. But the team is progressing and intends to fight for participation in the Champions League this autumn.

Azerbaijani fans expect solid attacking performances from players such as Nariman Akhundzade and Leandro Andrade. The former is considered a future hope of Azerbaijani football. The 21-year-old forward plays up front and enjoys strong support from his teammates.

Stats and Head-to-Head Record

The teams will meet for the first time in a European competition matchup.

Prediction

Both teams place a special emphasis on defensive actions and reliable play in the holding midfield area, so it is difficult to expect many goals from them. We will bet on Qarabag not to lose and total under 3.5 goals at odds of 1.55.