Shamakhi produced a surprise 3:1 victory over Karabakh in the opening round of Azerbaijan's Premier League, played out on 17 August at the Shamakhi stadium. The result represents a significant upset given Karabakh's position at the top of the previous season's table, and it puts the hosts into the spotlight after what had been a difficult campaign.
Karabakh took an early lead through R. Cephas in the 29th minute, capitalising on a moment of space in the Shamakhi defence. The hosts responded well, with E. Adilkhanov finding the net just before half-time in the 44th minute to level things up. The momentum shifted dramatically in the second half when R. Apolinario bundled his own team into a corner at the 59th minute, handing Shamakhi the lead. Karabakh pulled one back through O. Kashchuk in the 84th minute, but a late goal at the 85th minute sealed the result.
There were plenty of changes on both sides, with Shamakhi making four substitutions and Karabakh three. The hosts brought on A. Bouali and O. Mammadov at the restart, followed by A. Shuaibu and J. Mouaddib, before E. Adilkhanov was replaced in the 82nd minute. Karabakh introduced S. Lobato and J. Montiel together in the 55th minute, then Matheus Silva and B. Varkonyi at the hour mark.
Discipline was mixed throughout. F. Marques received a yellow card in the 21st minute, Ricardo Fernandes went into the referee's book at 45+3, and R. F. Pereira Pacheco picked up a caution in the 72nd minute. A. Moumini was booked late on at 79 minutes.
Before kick-off, Shamakhi sat fifth in the table with five points from four games—one win, two draws, one defeat. Karabakh were third with six points from two matches, both victories. The result moves the hosts into a more comfortable position and puts pressure on Karabakh, who had looked comfortable after their earlier wins.