FC Neftci Baku delivered a statement performance to open their Azerbaijan Premier League campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Araz Nakhchivan 5-0 at the Bakcell Arena on the night of 24 August 2026. The result not only sent a clear signal to the rest of the league but also handed the capital club the perfect platform to build momentum in the early weeks of the season.

Neftci's dominant overview

From the first whistle, Neftci Baku dictated the tempo against a deeply retreating Araz side. The home team's high press and quick vertical passing created trouble for the visitors' back line from the outset, and it took just 12 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. A well-worked move down the right flank ended with a pinpoint cross that striker Elvin Huseynov headed past the Araz goalkeeper.

By half-time, the match was effectively decided. Neftci added two more in a devastating nine-minute spell, with captain Emil Abbasov slotting home from the penalty spot and midfielder Rovshan Mammadov finishing a sweeping counter-attack. The 3-0 scoreline flattered Araz only in that it could have been worse, as Neftci struck the woodwork twice before the break.

Second-half control and key moments

Neftci showed no intention of easing off after the interval. Araz Nakhchivan, who had been restricted to a handful of hopeful long balls, finally offered some resistance with a spell of possession, but it was short-lived. On the hour mark, Huseynov grabbed his second of the night with a composed finish after a defensive error, and substitute Nicat Aliyev rounded off the scoring with a fierce strike from the edge of the area in the 78th minute.

The visitors' evening was summed up by a late red card for centre-back Vusal Hasanov, who picked up his second yellow card for a cynical challenge on Aliyev – a moment that will only compound the disappointment for the Nakhchivan-based side.

Tactical story

Head coach Sergio Alves set Neftci up in an aggressive 4-3-3 that pressed Araz into constant errors. The full-backs pushed high, allowing the front three to stay narrow and combine through central areas. Araz Nakhchivan, meanwhile, attempted to sit deep in a 5-4-1 block, but the gulf in quality was evident. Their inability to retain possession meant they rarely threatened Neftci's goal, and the away side finished with just one shot on target across the entire 90 minutes.

Standout performers

• Elvin Huseynov – The striker's brace showcased his aerial ability and predatory instincts, tormenting the Araz centre-backs all night.
• Rovshan Mammadov – Scored one goal, provided an assist, and dictated the tempo from midfield with a 91% pass completion rate.
• Nicat Aliyev – Came off the bench and made an immediate impact with a brilliant individual goal, also forcing the red card for his opponent.

Season impact

The emphatic victory sees Neftci Baku sit top of the Azerbaijan Premier League table after the opening weekend, with a healthy goal difference advantage over their closest rivals. For Araz Nakhchivan, the heavy defeat is a wake-up call. They remain winless in their last four league meetings with Neftci, and the coaching staff will need to address the team's defensive fragility before their next outing.

With the league campaign now fully underway, Neftci Baku have already shown the form that made them one of Azerbaijan's most successful clubs. If they can sustain this level of intensity and clinical finishing, Alves's side will undoubtedly be among the front-runners for the title come next spring.