Well the match is over now, but the Qarabag players are in the face of the referee, refusing to get off the pitch. All they want is an answer! I have not got a single clue as to why the goal has been disallowed, and I don't think anyone inside the stadium does either. The replay has been shown countless times, and there was no offside, handball or any reason for it not to count. But the referee has made his decision and what a controversial one at that!
90' +4
THEY'VE DONE IT! INCREDIBLE SCENES HERE AS QARABAG HAVE SURELY BOOKED THEIR PLACE NOW INTO THE ROUND OF 32!
IT DOESN'T COUNT! The Qarabag players have no idea why the goal has been disallowed! After Agolli's cross into the area fell kindly for Richard, his shot deflected off Donkor and past Carrizo into the back of the net.
90' +3
Inter keep possession well in midfield, but Bonazzoli takes a pass in an offside position, giving the ball back to the hosts with time for another attack!
90' +2
Into the second minute of stoppage time after an Inter substitution, and Qarabag win themselves a corner. The original delivery is dealt with, but Muarem keeps it in and does ever so well to get into the area and win another corner. Another pedestrian cross is cleared by Inter as time continues to run out!
90' +1
E. Baldini enters the game and replaces J. Obi.
90'
SUPERB INTERCEPTION! It looked as though Qarabag were through, after a lovely bit of skill from Muarem allowed him to beat a defender before picking out a pass for Richard at the top of the area. The midfielder works a clever one-two with George, but M'Vila dives in to get a touch, just breaking up the move!
88'
The hosts are running out of time now, and this will not help as Medvedev is penalized for a foul on Joel Obi, who is down and in need of attention. More precious time runs off the clock as the free kick has still yet to be taken.
86'
SUPERB SAVE! Bonazzoli holds the ball well outside the area, pushing past defenders as he finds space for a shot. He finally takes, firing an effort back across goal, but Sehic reacts brilliantly to dive across and get his fingertips to it.
84'
F. Dimarco enters the game and replaces D. D'Ambrosio.
The crowd are urging their team forward, but they are struggling to win back possession at the moment. The ball goes out for an Inter throw, and they take the time to make their first substitution of the match, as Danilo D'Ambrosi gives way for 17-year-old Federico Dimarco.
82'
Qarayev wins the ball in midfield and does well to take away from danger. Osvaldo lunges in from behind to try and win it back, taking the midfielder out with a nasty challenge. Qarayev gets up and is none too impressed, as he gets in the face of the striker. The referee did award the foul, and is across now to separate the two.
Minute
Description
80'
FINE SAVE! Again Osvaldo drifts deep to get the ball, taking a pass in midfield. He turns and takes a few steps forward before driving a shot towards goal. It is a wonderful strike, but Sehic is up to the task, diving to his left to push it behind for a corner.
78'
There is a delay now as Obi is down injured. The medical staff is out to attend to him and the home fans are beginning to grow a bit restless, as they look to their phones and see Dnipro has taken a 1-0 lead over Saint-Etienne in the other group match. That result mean Qarabag would need a victory to advance.
76'
Qarabag win a corner and after Inter originally clear the threat, the ball comes to George. The forward has a shot from a near identical position to where the free kick was taken, but this time his effort is much better, as his shot gets over the mass of bodies and dips at the right time. The shot is too close to the keeper, however, who makes a simple catch.
74'
STAT ATTACK: Regardless of today's result, Qarabag have managed the most successful group stage for a team from Azerbaijan in UEFA competition. Their five points have already surpassed Neftci’s three from two seasons ago.
72'
Plenty of time runs off the clock as Inter protest the referee's decision. Carrizo takes time getting his wall properly placed, while the Qarabag players debate who will take the free kick. Finally it is George who steps up, and all the anticipation proves to be for nothing, as his left-footed effort sails miles over the bar.
70'
Free kick to Qarabag! It is in a great position for a shot, as George splits Donkor and Andreolli, before being taken out. The ball is placed slightly off centre, about 25 yards out from goal. Can they take the chance?
68'
Good defending! Donkor, who has shown some signs of nervousness in his Europa League debut, does very well to track the run of Gurbanov. He keeps the attacker to the outside, and shows impressive strength, allowing the ball to run behind for a goal kick.
66'
The ball is being contained largely in midfield now with very few attacks being managed by either side. The ball is being given away carelessly in midfield, but no one has been able to take advantage, often giving it straight back to the opposition.
64'
STAT ATTACK: Inter have been struggling away from home domestically, winning just once from their last nine matches dating back to last season (D3, L5).
62'
Inter are beginning to settle in again and you get the sense that Qarabag are willing to play scoreless until the last 10 minutes or so before pushing forward for a potential winner. With the other game in the group still scoreless, a draw would be enough for the hosts to advance at the moment.
60'
İ. Qurbanov enters the game and replaces N. Ələsgərov.
The second change of the night is made by Qarabag, as Alaskarov, who was acting as the lone striker, gives way for midfielder Ilgar Gurbanov. The change likely means Leroy George will push forward and act at the lone striker, with the hosts looking to challenge Inter with their pace on the counter.
58'
Osvaldo is growing into this match in the second half at well, it seems. The striker is forced to drop into a deeper position to get on the ball, which is less than ideal for him, but it is working as Qarabag look nervous at the back when he gets in possession.
56'
INCHES AWAY FROM AN OPENER! Qarabag certainly look more threatening now, and they come ever so close to taking the lead! Agolli sends a brilliant ball forward for Muarem. The winger plays it across the face of goal, and Alaskarov comes inches away from tapping it home into the empty net! George keeps it in play and his shot from a tight angle is stopped and pushed behind for another corner.
54'
The hosts win a corner and the noise level rises drastically inside the stadium. Again it is the pace of George that puts Inter under pressure at the back, to win his side a corner. Alaskarov delivers, but it is played short, as Qarabag remain reluctant to cross the ball into the area for whatever reason. The short pass does not work as Inter quickly sniff out the threat.
52'
STAT ATTACK: Qarabag have just three goals from their opening five group stage matches, and have yet to score in the second half of their games.
50'
Yusifov commits a foul on Osvaldo, giving the visitors a good chance early in the half from a free kick. D'Ambrosio delivers a short cross into the area, but Qarabag are first to get a head to it as they clear the threat.
48'
DEFLECTED WIDE! Bonazzoli does well to chest down a pass in midfield and shield off a defender. He turns and strikes it on the half-volley, but Sadygov does well to get in front and turn it behind for a corner kick.
46'
Inter get the second half underway at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium! No changes to tell you about at the break.
45' +1
BRILLIANT RUN! Leroy George nearly put the hosts in front in the final seconds of the first half. He chases down a wonderful ball forward from Muraem and beats Donkor to it. He nudges it forward, as the defender slips, and breaks into the area. He shoots from in close, but Carrizo shows great reactions, casually lifting his hand to tip it over the bar!
45'
There will be one minute of stoppage time, as is indicated by the fourth official...
44'
That is not an encouraging sign for Qarabag, as their striker appears to have picked up a groin or hamstring injury and will not be able to continue. The cart comes onto the pitch to take him off, and his night is over, with Namiq Yusifov on to replace him, likely taking Alaskarov's place, pushing him forward into the role of striker.
43'
N. Yusifov enters the game and replaces V. Nadirov.
42'
D'Ambrosio takes a pass in an advanced position on the left, and a good first touch forces Medvedev into a challenge. The visitors win a free kick from 35 yards out along the left, but there is a stoppage here as the medical staff is out to attend to Nadirov who appears to have injured himself behind the play.
40'
STAT ATTACK: Inter and Qarabag are part of Group F, the lowest scoring group in the Europa League. The 14 goals scored in the opening 10 games is the fewest tally by a wide margin. The second lowest is Group L with 19, and it is one of just three groups with less than 25 goals at this stage. The highest is Group A with 38 goals, more than double.
38'
Qarabag are far too predictable going forward. When they win the ball in midfield, their immediate reaction is to try and send a long through ball forward toward Alaskarov or Nadirov. There is very little patience or creativity in their build up play, and it has made for an easy first half for the two Inter centre-backs.
36'
Much more encouraging from the hosts! Medvedev gets forward, finally, and finds himself in a ton of space. He passes up an opportunity to go for goal, instead trying to slide Alaskarov through into the area, but Andreolli does well to read the move and break up the attack.
34'
The hosts have a very good understanding of one another in defence, which is likely the reason for their stout defensive record in the competition. Qarayev and Richard are quick to cover for the centre-backs when they are forced wide, so regardless of Inter's movement off the ball, it is very hard to catch the hosts out of position at the back.
32'
On the other hand, Danilo D'Ambrosio is very eager to get forward for the visitors and is causing Qarabag a bit of trouble at the back. His overlapping run forces Medvedev into a difficult position, but Guseynov is over in support to force the ball behind for a goal kick.
30'
Qarabag's reluctance to get their wing-backs into attack is what has plagued them going forward through the opening half an hour. They are constantly trying to build through the middle, with support on the flanks lacking, and Inter have plenty of bodies in the centre to prevent them from doing so.
28'
STAT ATTACK: Qarabag are winless in their last four home matches in the Europa League (D2, L2), and have scored just one goal over that span.
26'
Richard Almeida and Qara Qarayev have done an excellent job thus far in the middle of the park for the hosts. They have provided excellent cover for the back four, while their high work rate has made life difficult on Inter in possession. They have won the ball back on a number of occasions, but are just lacking a better first pass.
24'
This continues to be a very cagey period in the match, with neither side able to test the opposing keeper. A lack of movement off the ball has made life easy for the defenders, but space has been very difficult to come by in midfield.
22'
Play in midfield has been very sloppy, with possession being squandered by both sides. Qarabag look to break quickly when they win the ball back, but it is all too predictable for them at the moment. With the experience of Andreolli and Campagnaro at the back, it will take some more creativity for the hosts to carve out a chance.
20'
Chances have been very limited in the opening 20 minutes and neither side look entirely comfortable yet in possession. The Italian's are lacking a sense of urgency, which can likely be attributed to them having first place already locked up. Meanwhile, Qarabag are still reluctant to commit men forward and leave themselves exposed, while they are just lacking a bit of quality when they do break into the final third.
18'
N. Ələsgərov gets yellow.
The first yellow card of the match has been shown to Alaskarov, and it is more than deserved. The midfielder lunged into the back of Obi, getting his cleat up in the Nigerian's calf, while making no contact with the ball.
17'
STAT ATTACK: Inter have won seven of their last 10 away matches in the Europa League, losing just twice against Rubin Kazan and Tottenham.
15'
WHAT A CHANCE! Alaskarov is played into the area by George and has a step on the defender Andreolli, giving him a clean look at goal. A good touch forward allow him to square up a shot, but he cannons his effort into the side-netting! That was a real chance for the hosts, and he may have been better off sliding it across the area for Nadirov.
13'
Very good defending from Guseynov, who spots the run of Bonazzoli and is quick to retreat. He sniffs out Mbaye's pass and does well to break up the opportunity. A smart outlet pass gives his side a chance to break, as well, as the crowd urges the home side forward.
11'
Qarabag have some nervous legs in the early stages. George does very well to win the ball in midfield and send Muarem into acres of space on the left. He has Nadirov streaking forward in the centre, but panics and fails to get a pass across after his second touch lets him down.
9'
Bonazzoli wins a free kick as Sadygov commits a foul. From 30 yards out, Inter take the free kick as the ball is chipped into the area. It is cleared by Qarabag, but only as far as Obi, who weaves his way into the area. He finds space for a shot but the attack comes to an end as he is penalized for a handball.
7'
BLASTED WIDE! Lovely move from Inter, largely orchestrated by Pablo Osvaldo, who shows great strength and footwork to keep the ball and get past two defenders on the right. He breaks into the area and tees Rene Krhin up for a shot, but the midfielder scuffs it wide of the far post! Great chance for the hosts to take the lead!
5'
STAT ATTACK: Qarabag have won just one of their last nine matches in the Europa League, including qualifying.
3'
Encouraging start for the hosts who win an early corner. Qarayev delivers a low cross into the box, which two players dummy as it rolls into the path of Sadygov. The defender strikes for goal, but it takes a deflection and rolls behind for another corner. That was straight from the training ground and it came close to producing an opening goal for Qarabag.
1'
Qarabag kick-off and we are underway with what could be a historic day in Azerbaijan! The hosts, moving right to left, are in their black home strip, with Inter sporting all white.
Hello and welcome to Azerbaijan, as we kick-off another lovely evening of Europa League football! The Tofiq Bahramov Stadium is our venue tonight, as Qarabag look to qualify for the knockout stages with a victory when they host Inter. I am Alex Moretto and I will be your in-game host, guiding you through the match LIVE as it happens!
Inter are in the early stages of a new era since the dismissal of Walter Mazzarri as coach. Roberto Mancini was named the replacement, beginning his second stint as Nerazzurri boss on November 14. The Italian followed up a hard fought draw against Milan in his first match with victory over Dnipro in the week that followed. The dream start came to a quick halt, however, with Inter losing their last two matches. Although they have already qualified for the knockout stage, Mancini will likely try to grab all three points from this match with the hopes that it will spark their performance in the league.
Qarabag can make history today by becoming the first ever team from Azerbaijan to reach the knockout stage of a major UEFA competition. Coached by the country's all-time leading scorer, Gurban Gurbanov, the Atlilar will forever go down in history as the first Azerbaijani club to win a group stage match in UEFA competition, courtesy of their 1-0 victory at Dnipro in October. Qarabag will advance as runners-up by defeating Inter today, or a draw, coupled with a tie in the other Group F match.
INTER SUBS: Dimarco, Sciacca, Palazzi, Baldini, Costa, Berni.
Roberto Mancini has rotated his squad ahead of the match, with first place already wrapped up. The coach has made 10 changes to his team, following their 2-1 victory over Dnipro on the last matchday. Pablo Osvaldo is the only returning starter, while highly touted 17-year-old striker Federico Bonazzoli joins him up top. Andrea Ranocchia is suspended after picking up a red card in the last match and is unavailable today.
Coach Gurban Gurbanov has made just one change to his team following their 1-1 drat at Saint-Etienne in the last match, with Namik Alaskarov replacing Namiq Yusifov in midfield. Vuqar Nadirov spearheads the attack, and will have the opportunity to score arguably one of the biggest goals in Azerbaijani football history.
HALFTIME: QARABAG 0-0 INTER. It has been a lackluster opening 45 minutes, with very few chances for either side to break the deadlock. There has been little to speak of in attack, and a scoreless draw is a fitting scoreline at the break.
The players are back out on the pitch with the second half just moments away. The tension is palpable inside the stadium as anticipation rises amongst the fans, for what could prove to be a historic night for not just Azerbaijan, but football in general.
FULL TIME: QARABAG 0-0 INTER. In a game with very few talking points, it certainly came to an exciting conclusion. Chances were few and far between throughout the 90 minutes, but the hosts appeared to have grabbed a last minute winner as they celebrated what looked to be a historic goal! Their jubilation was quickly brought to a halt, however, as the referee disallowed the goal for reasons still unknown. It is a controversial finish to an otherwise dull match in Azerbaijan.
A draw here, coupled with Dnipro's victory over Saint-Etienne, means the Ukranian side advance to the round of 32, while Qarabag's European journey comes to an end. I am Alex Moretto and I would like to thank you all for joining me here today. Good bye!
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