The 8th round of the Misli Premier League kicks off today, with the central fixture taking place tomorrow.

The match in question is the 'Azerbaijan Derby' – Qarabag will host Neftchi. This derby is anticipated to be more thrilling and captivating than previous encounters, as it is not just a clash between two historic teams but also a duel between the league leaders.

Even during Neftchi's weakest moments, this match has always been regarded as the most eye-catching encounter. This time, the winning side will ascend to the top of the table (at least for one day).

After seven rounds, both teams have accumulated 16 points. However, Qarabag has played one game less. Neftchi, on the other hand, is the league's top-scoring team with 18 goals.

Following a coaching change, both teams have played two matches. In one, the 'stallions' emerged victorious, while in the other, the capital representatives claimed the win. Interestingly, the flagship team achieved this victory after a gap of five years. In fact, in the first match of the 2024/2025 season and the previous 'football year' (across five consecutive matches), Neftchi could not find the net against Qarabag.

Neftchi is on the rise. The team will face Qarabag, who have not competed in European competitions for the first time in 13 years, in the first round. While the Agdam side is still undergoing a process of adaptation, the players have consistently stated that they approach the match against Neftchi with extra motivation. It is important to note that this is a match for the leadership. The last time these teams faced off for the top spot was in the 2020/21 season, when Neftchi celebrated the national championship after a seven-year wait with a goal from Ahmad Ahmadov in the 90th minute.

It is estimated that 15,000 to 20,000 fans will watch the match live. Tomorrow, a football festival will take place in Baku. The match will kick off at 19:00 at the temple of national football – Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium.