The “Sabah” football club expressed its gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for his congratulations on the team’s historic qualification for the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

Axar.az reports that the Baku club issued a statement addressed to the head of state following its victory over the Israeli club Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the tournament's playoff round.

"Esteemed Mr. President,

We would like to express our deep gratitude for your high attention to Sabah football club's qualifying for the UEFA Champions League league phase for the first time in its history. Your congratulations have increased the joy of this victory for our team.

Your unwavering attention and care for the development of sports, including football in Azerbaijan, as well as the opportunities created for the development of sports clubs provide a strong momentum for such historic achievements and deepen our sense of responsibility.

We will continue competing with determination to represent our country with pride in Europe's most prestigious football tournament and elevate Azerbaijani football to even greater heights.

Ultimately, it is from you that we learn the determination to fight until the end and believe in victory.

We draw strength and INSPIRATION from you, the architect of the great victories of the Azerbaijani people.

On behalf of Sabah football club, we once again express our deep gratitude for your high regard,” the statement reads.

Meanwhile, in the first match, “Sabah” lost to “Hapoel” 1–2, but in the return match in Baku, they won 5–2, advancing to the group stage of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history.