"HORSEMEN" STRUTTING LIKE CHAMPIONS

The winners of Azerbaijan's nine-month football championship are now known. After their victory in Sumqayit, Qarabag clin-ched their second championship in a row. This wouldn't have happened if Inter had returned from Qabala with three points. Then the club from Agdam would have had to wait for at least another round of matches. Anyway, the "gold medal" for season 2014-15 has gone to Qarabag. Success did not come easy to Qurban Qurbanov's side, however, and after the loss of two points at Lankaran the championship was still open.

Last year, Qarabag could celebrate victory two rounds before the end of the championship. They then confirmed their title with a crushing win over their main rivals, Inter, by 4 goals to 1. Curiously enough, this time round it was these same two teams that fought it out. Had the "Bankers" [Inter] won at Qabala, the fate of the championship would have again been decided between these two teams in the 35th round in a "life or death" struggle. However, it all turned out differently and the final meeting between Qarabag and Inter decided nothing. So, the "Horsemen" allowed themselves to ease up and as a result they lost 1-2.

One must emphasize three decisive things that had an important bearing on Qarabag's victory. This season they have had few players out injured. Chumbinho was out of action at the start of the championship whereas Reynaldo, despite picking up an injury, appeared in vital matches and helped his side. It should also be pointed out that this season Qarabag did not get so many yellow and red cards, so Qurbanov had no problems in selecting his team.

The loss of points by Inter, Neftci and Qabala in different rounds also helped pave the way to the championship for Qarabag. 

The main factors contributing to Neftci's failure are no secret to anyone: months of delay in paying wages, the docking of win bonuses and - most importantly - structural changes. Inter had the same problems. The players of this club which has been through a financial crisis adopted a couldn't-care-less attitude in their final matches.

The football public is aware of the situation surrounding Neftci, Inter and Simurq, and we are not wrong if we say that this season Qarabag has been the only team which has not encountered financial problems. By proving themselves true professionals the Agdam-based side were able to stay top right up to the end.

Qarabag became champions for the second time in a row and the third altogether. Having beaten their closest rivals, Qurban Qurbanov's team showed they are the strongest club in the country. By performing at a high level, they pleased their fans with their consistent play. Qarabag showed they were not forgetting about the home championship, even after qualifying for the group stage of the Europa League. In chasing victory in all tournaments, the new champions also retained the chance of winning the Azerbaijani Cup.

After Kazbek Tuayev, Mehman Allahverdiyev, Agasalim Mircavadov and Boyukaga Haciyev, Qurban Qurbanov also won the Azerbaijani national championship as coach two years in a row. On 3 June he could add to his number of titles. To achieve this they must beat Neftci, the team for whom Qurban Qurbanov made his debut as coach, in the final of the Azerbaijani Cup, which takes place in Qabala. If they win the Azerbaijani Cup Qarabag will complete their season with a "golden" double.

Qarabag's chief coach, Qurban Qurbanov, shared his impressions of the victory with R+: "I would like to congratulate all those connected with the Qarabag team on winning the championship. The last few rounds were quite difficult with a lot of pressure on us. And the whole season has been tough. We became champions after a gruelling struggle. It's true there was a bit of a slump in the last two games, but that happens. Don't forget, away from home we were up against difficult opponents. We triumphed because we overcame these obstacles. Our players, who fought right to the end and showed great character, got what they deserved.  We were chased by a tough rival in Inter, who did not let up for a moment. Next comes the Azerbaijani Cup. We still have time: the players and the coach don't always have such an opportunity and we must not let it slip by. As far as transfers are concerned, this subject has always been a problem. Right now I don't want to talk about it. Let's cool off a bit and then we can talk about it. All I will say is that every player deserves his success.  It was a hard-won victory. I believe it will be harder to keep the title than to win it."

Club director Emrah Celikel spoke about the coming talks with new players to strengthen the team after the Azerbaijani Cup Final. He said the right transfers would be completed to ensure that Qarabag can properly represent Azerbaijan in European competitions:  "This championship was harder than last year's. It was a gruelling season, but we have earned the right to be champions. I think the team deserved its gold medals. We shall carry through the transfer of any player chosen by chief coach Qurban Qurbanov. The team will definitely be strengthened before the Champions League. The team that sets out for Europe will be properly equipped. Like last year we must represent Azerbaijan in a worthy manner."

Finishing the championship in second place, Inter fought to the end without fielding its strongest side. 

In his last season in our country Kakhaber Tskhadadze ended without a trophy. The Georgian coach will go back home with a silver medal.

So, at the end of the Azerbaijani championship Qarabag will be representing our country in the Champions League, and Inter, Qabala and Neftci in the Europa League. Qabala will be going as bronze medallists in the championship and Neftci as Azerbaijani Cup finalists.

Because Araz-Naxcivan declined to play in the Premier League, only one club will be leaving the top sphere. We can now state for certain that Baki, who were unable to resolve their financial problems, will be playing in the First Division next season.