Zira claimed a straightforward 2-0 victory over Safa Baku in the opening fixture of the Azerbaijan Premier League season on 16 August. The hosts controlled proceedings from the outset, with E. Aydin and I. Djibrilla finding the net to complete a convincing win. By then, the pattern was clear — Zira dominated possession and created the majority of their chances.
Aydin broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, capitalising on sustained pressure. Djibrilla doubled the advantage shortly after the interval, a goal that effectively sealed the contest. Safa struggled to trouble the Zira defence, managing just three shots off target throughout the entire match.
The statistics tell the story. Zira recorded 186 attacks compared to Safa's 111, while maintaining 64 per cent possession. The hosts registered eight shots on target with none going wide — efficient finishing on display. Safa failed to register a single shot on target, a statistic that reflects their inability to penetrate the final third.
Both sides received two yellow cards, with Ruan Renato booked twice in quick succession for Safa. The home team saw A. Dragu cautioned in the first half, while Guima and A. Diawo picked up bookings for the visitors. Substitutions came thick and fast in the second half, particularly around the 72nd minute when both managers made multiple changes.
Zira now sit top of the table with three wins from three matches, accumulating nine points. Safa remain ninth after one victory and two defeats, sitting on three points. The gap between them at this stage of the season could not be wider.