Sabah: The Youngest Club in Champions League History
Founded only in 2017, the Baku-based club is set to make history as the youngest participant in the Champions League group stage.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Aykhan Zayedzadeh
Baku-based club Sabah, whose name translates from Azerbaijani to "tomorrow," is preparing for a historic milestone. This Thursday, the team will make its debut in the main stage of the Champions League, becoming the second Azerbaijani club after Qarabag to reach this level. Given its founding date of September 8, 2017, Sabah officially becomes the youngest club in the history of the tournament.
The "Owls'" path to the elite was rapid. The club did not climb from the lowest regional leagues but began its journey in the second tier. By meeting the licensing requirements of the AFFA, the team secured a spot in the Premier League despite finishing fifth in the standings. The project, backed by Bridge Group of Companies chairman Yagub Huseynov, transformed from a debutant into a national champion within just a few years.
The team plays its home matches at the Masazir Stadium, which holds 13,000 spectators. During the Champions League qualifiers, Sabah showed vibrant football at home, including a dramatic comeback against Hapoel Be'er Sheva in extra time. This confirmed that opponents' pressing is not an insurmountable obstacle for the Baku side.
Debuting with such an opponent and at such a stadium! Sabah FC
Now, Sabah faces its ultimate test: a trip to Old Trafford. The team, which has shown steady progress under its coaching staff, will have to prove its competitiveness against Europe's giants.