Aarhus secured a comeback victory in the first leg (2-1) and now heads into the return leg as clear favorites. The Danish club plays in a stronger league, boasts superior class and European experience. Aarhus has been virtually unbeaten in recent matches: draws against Lyngby and Brøndby in the Superliga confirm the team's consistency, even on the road. Given their one-goal handicap, the Danes can afford to play second fiddle, relying on possession and quick counterattacks.
Sabah, despite a solid qualifying record, is significantly inferior to Aarhus in terms of quality. The Baku club has conceded in three of its last four European matches, and their only home win, against KuPS (1-0), was a hard-won victory. In the first leg, Sabah allowed their opponents to create several dangerous chances, and now, playing catch-up, the hosts will have to open up, which will only increase the Danish counterattacking space. The home advantage is unlikely to compensate for the difference in skill.
The Danes have a scoreline advantage, a higher level of play, and mental resilience. Sabah needs to score two goals, but against the visitors' organized defense, this will be an extremely difficult task. It is highly likely that Aarhus will continue to the next round of the Champions League.
