Azerbaijan U19 2-7 Montenegro U19: Vukovic Hat-Trick Inspires Dominant Away Display

Montenegro U19 produced a devastating attacking performance to beat Azerbaijan U19 7-2 in their UEFA European U19 Championship qualifier on 11 November 2026. Led by a hat-trick from Nikola Vukovic and a brace from Marko Jovanovic, Montenegro punished Azerbaijan’s defensive mistakes and controlled the match with sharp pressing and clinical finishing.

The result is a major statement for Montenegro U19 in the qualifying campaign, giving them three points and a strong goal-difference advantage. Azerbaijan U19, who scored twice through Elvin Mammadov and Tural Hasanov, were competitive in brief spells but could not cope with Montenegro’s intensity and movement over the full 90 minutes.

Match Overview

Montenegro started quickly and scored inside the first five minutes, setting the tone for a high-tempo performance. Their midfield pressed aggressively, forcing Azerbaijan into rushed passes, and their forwards attacked the space behind the defence with purpose. Azerbaijan briefly reduced the deficit to 2-1, but Montenegro responded immediately and never allowed the home side to build sustained momentum.

The second half was even more one-sided. Montenegro added four more goals, including Vukovic’s third, while Azerbaijan managed a second consolation through Hasanov. By the closing stages, Montenegro were playing with confidence and could have added further goals against a tiring defence.

Key Moments and Goals

• 5’ – Nikola Vukovic opened the scoring with a composed finish after a quick turnover.
• 16’ – Marko Jovanovic doubled Montenegro’s lead with a low shot from inside the box.
• 23’ – Elvin Mammadov pulled one back for Azerbaijan U19.
• 31’ – Nikola Vukovic restored Montenegro’s two-goal cushion.
• 49’ – Marko Jovanovic scored his second of the match.
• 57’ – Nikola Vukovic completed his hat-trick.
• 68’ – Tural Hasanov scored Azerbaijan’s second goal.
• 72’ – Luka Popovic added Montenegro’s sixth.
• 85’ – Stefan Radovic completed the scoring at 7-2.

Tactical Story: Pressing, Movement and Clinical Finishing

Montenegro’s success was built on their aggressive pressing and quick transitions. They denied Azerbaijan time on the ball in midfield and repeatedly won possession in dangerous areas. Their front players made intelligent runs across the defensive line, creating space for cut-backs and late arrivals in the box. Azerbaijan’s defence struggled to track those movements, especially after half-time.

Azerbaijan showed glimpses of quality going forward, particularly in the moves that led to their two goals. However, their defensive shape was too easily stretched, and they conceded possession in areas that allowed Montenegro to attack directly. Montenegro’s ruthlessness in front of goal was the defining difference between the sides.

Standout Players

Nikola Vukovic was the standout performer with a hat-trick, showing excellent positioning and finishing throughout. Marko Jovanovic was equally effective with two goals and constant movement, while Luka Popovic and Stefan Radovic added further goals in a balanced attacking display. Montenegro’s midfield also deserved credit for controlling the tempo and winning so many second balls.

For Azerbaijan U19, Elvin Mammadov and Tural Hasanov took their goals well and remained willing runners, but the team’s defensive performance left too many gaps against a clinical opponent.

What the Result Means for the Group

The 7-2 win gives Montenegro U19 a significant advantage in the UEFA European U19 Championship qualifying group, especially with such a strong goal difference. It also sends a warning to the other teams about their attacking potential. Azerbaijan U19 will need to recover quickly, address their defensive organisation and find a way to be more compact in their next match.