CELTIC won't be able to cope with Qarabag's waves of attacks tonight, according to Azerbaijan international and the club's former star player, Aftandil Hajiyev.
The Parkhead side have a tricky encounter on a much-criticised pitch today when they face the former Soviet nation's champions in Baku.
While the pre-match build-up has been dominated by the playing surface at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, the home side have shown unflinching belief in their ability to eliminate the Scottish Premiership winners.
That confidence was backed up by Hajiyev, who made over 100 appearances for Qarabag and captained his country. "I believe Qarabag will win and go on to qualify," he said.
"I don't think a 1-0 defeat is too much different from a 0-0 score away from home. The onus is still on Qarabag to attack. They have a good manager who will find a way to break down Celtic.
"In the first leg, Qarabag had more possession, which is backed up by the stats. Remember, they were playing at a venue where the home team had beaten Barcelona, so 1-0 was a decent result.
"Celtic are a good opponent, but they are certainly not unbeatable. Qarabag can score against Celtic and more than once.
"It's up to Qarabag to show Celtic this is their home game and dictate play. The coach, Gurban Gurbanov, is a good tactician. He might have a surprise for Celtic in the way he attacks.
"Qarabag must concentrate defensively too. But if they do, I believe it can be a great night for football in this country."
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