Qarabağ Ağdam vs. Eintracht Frankfurt Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups | OneFootball

Qarabağ Ağdam and Eintracht Frankfurt meet in what has become a pivotal Champions League fixture for both sides at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku. With the group stage entering its final two rounds, the game carries extra weight for Frankfurt, who arrive in Azerbaijan amid turbulence and uncertainty.

Match context

Eintracht Frankfurt’s season has hit a rough patch - both domestically and in Europe. The Eagles have collected just four points from six Champions League matches, with a defence that has struggled to contain opponents and has been widely exposed in recent months.

Managerial upheaval

The biggest talking point leading into this clash is the sacking of head coach Dino Toppmöller over the weekend. Frankfurt’s management opted to relieve the 45-year-old of his duties after a dismal run of results, including defensive woes that saw the club concede heavily in the Bundesliga and disappointing performances in the UCL — culminating in a 3–3 draw with Werder Bremen that proved to be the last straw.

In an interim solution, Under-21 coach Dennis Schmitt and former club legend Alexander Meier have taken charge for the trip to Baku, with Schmitt leading preparations and expressing confidence ahead of his Champions League debut in the dugout.

Team news and predicted lineups

Qarabağ Ağdam:

The Azerbaijani side come into the match fresh from winter preparations and friendly action, which could help their sharpness.

They will likely line up in a 4–2–3–1 shape with Mateusz Kochalski in goal, a solid back four of Matheus Silva, Bahlul Mustafazade, Kevin Medina and Elvin Jafarquliyev, and Camilo Duran leading the attack.

Kady Borges remains sidelined with a long-term injury.

Eintracht Frankfurt:

Frankfurt’s squad faces multiple absences, with key players such as Jonathan Burkardt, Rasmus Kristensen and Michy Batshuayi unavailable through injury, and several recent signings still ineligible or sidelined.

Possible setup could see a 3–4–3 or similar formation featuring Kauã Santos in goal, supported by defenders like Nnamdi Collins, Robin Koch and Arthur Theate. An attack of Uzun, Ritsu Doan and Farès Chaïbi may be tasked with breaking down the Qarabağ defence.

Interim boss Dennis Schmitt will be aiming to steady the ship, calling on the squad to respond after a monumental week off the pitch.

Tactical outlook

Qarabağ boast strong home form in Europe and will look to control possession and pressure Frankfurt early. Their willingness to attack - evidenced by multiple goals in recent European outings - could see them take advantage of Frankfurt’s unsettled back line.

Frankfurt, on the other hand, must find defensive organisation and composure, something that has eluded them in recent fixtures. With their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, they need a positive result in Baku to stay in the hunt for the knockout stages.

Prediction & key battles

This clash is likely to revolve around midfield control and set-piece effectiveness - Qarabağ will look to use quick transitions and home momentum, while Frankfurt require discipline and creativity from their attacking corps to unlock the Azerbaijani defence.

With both teams desperate for results, expect an open, intense contest where mistakes could prove costly.