Qarabag vs Shkendija Prediction & Betting Tips (12 August)

Qarabağ FK enters the second leg of their Champions League qualifier against Shkëndija with a narrow 1–0 advantage from the first leg in Tetovo. The Azerbaijani champions have shown solid form in recent weeks, dispatching Shelbourne with a 3–0 away win and a 1–0 home victory before edging Shkëndija. Under the guidance of long-serving coach Qurban Qurbanov, Qarabağ continues to blend experience with emerging talent. Midfield dynamo Leandro Andrade remains pivotal, though transfer interest from Turkish giants like Beşiktaş could be a distraction. Meanwhile, new additions like Fabijan Buntić in goal and defender Samy Mmaee have added depth to a squad that’s built for continental competition.

Shkëndija, on the other hand, will be looking to overturn the deficit in Baku with a spirited performance. The North Macedonian side has had a strong run in qualifiers, notably defeating FCSB 2–1 away and 1–0 at home. Coach Jeton Bekiri has instilled resilience in his squad, which features a mix of seasoned campaigners like Besart Ibraimi and promising talents such as Arbin Zejnullai and Kamer Qaka. Their attacking trio—Latifi, Ademi, and Tamba—has shown flashes of brilliance, but they’ll need to be clinical against Qarabağ’s disciplined backline. The team’s recent 3–1 friendly win over Rabotnicki suggests they’re sharpening their edge ahead of the decisive clash.



Tactically, Qarabağ is expected to maintain their compact structure, relying on quick transitions and set-piece precision. With home advantage and a goal cushion, they’ll likely prioritize control and containment, allowing players like Kady Borges and Oleksiy Kashchuk to exploit spaces on the counter. Shkëndija, conversely, must chase the game without losing shape. Their midfield will be key—Qaka and Krasniqi must dictate tempo and feed the flanks, while defenders like Klisman Cake and Ronaldo Webster must stay alert to Qarabağ’s surging runs.

Given the form and tactical setups, a 2–1 scoreline in favor of Qarabağ feels plausible. Shkëndija has the firepower to breach the Azerbaijani defense, but Qarabağ’s experience and home momentum should see them through. Expect a tense, high-stakes encounter with moments of flair and grit—exactly what Champions League qualifiers are made for.