Baku: Atletico Madrid head coach Ernesto Valverde held a press conference ahead of the match against Qarabag, Apasport.az reports. Valverde noted that Qarabag has secured 6 points from 2 games in the Champions League group stage, positioning themselves as leaders while Atletico sits at the bottom. Valverde expressed the team’s desire to start gaining points, stating, “This is an opportunity for us to start collecting points and we want that.”

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Valverde responded humorously to an Azerbaijani journalist’s question regarding claims of a 9-0 victory over Qarabag. He remarked, “It’s horrible that they are being told that we will win 9-0. I can’t put it into words. We respect them. 1-0 would be normal.” Valverde emphasized the quality of Qarabag’s play, highlighting their strong midfield and attack, as well as their roster of foreign players from Brazil, Colombia, and Poland. He acknowledged Qarabag as the champions of their country and noted their capability to apply pressure for a win, pointing out their strategic squad rotations and advantage of rest.

The much-anticipated match between Atletico Madrid and Qarabag is scheduled to kick off on October 22 at 20:45 Baku time.