FC Twente complete dramatic Qarabag comeback to reach Conference League

FC Twente produced a remarkable turnaround against Qarabag, winning Thursday’s play-off return 4-1 after extra time to advance to the Conference League league phase with a 4-2 aggregate victory. John van den Brom’s team had lost the home leg 1-0 and then fell behind again in Baku.

Marko Pjaca brought Twente level on the night before Max Bruns struck in stoppage time to force extra time. Qarabag were subsequently reduced to ten men, and goals from Wout Weghorst and Younes Taha completed the comeback. Qualification guarantees Twente at least six matches in the competition’s league phase.

Weghorst was visibly emotional after ending a recent barren spell with a decisive goal. The striker acknowledged that his performances in the preceding weeks had fallen below his standards, while explaining that representing a club he also supports brings additional expectations and responsibility. “I’m super happy,” he told ESPN, in comments reported by Voetbalzone.

Van den Brom said Twente had continued to believe after conceding and successfully used a scenario rehearsed in training. He described the contest as exhausting for players and staff, and placed particular value on eliminating a Qarabag side he rates highly. The coach also revealed that Twente’s media department had shown the squad footage of the club’s previous European campaigns before kick-off, adding to the emotion surrounding an unforgettable night.