FK Partizan vs Neftchi Baku

The second-half goal — the only one of the match — shifted the dynamic. Neftchi Baku, who had been compact and disciplined in the first period, were forced to open up in search of an equaliser. Partizan's backline, untroubled for much of the first half, held firm to secure the clean sheet.

Partizan's defensive unit deserves mention for keeping a clean sheet against a Neftchi side that scored 12 goals in their final five Azerbaijan Premier League matches of last season (since 10 May 2026). The goalkeeper, though not named in available lineups, was not seriously tested.

For Neftchi Baku, the central midfield pairing disrupted Partizan's rhythm in the first half, but the team lacked a cutting edge in the final third once they fell behind.

Player of the Match: Not officially named. Partizan's goal scorer was the match-winner by default.

The match page shows a 1-0 scoreline reflecting a tight contest. The 0-0 half-time score suggests both sides treated the first 45 minutes as a fitness exercise, with intensity rising after the restart. The single goal, without a glut of further chances, points to a game dominated by midfield battles rather than end-to-end action. Partizan's 2-1 friendly win over NK Aluminij on 2 July saw more goals, but this was a sterner defensive test against a side that finished third in the Azerbaijan Premier League last season.

Partizan continue their pre-season preparations under Stanojević with a second win in three outings: they beat NK Aluminij 2-1 (2 July) and lost 3-0 to CSKA 1948 Sofia (29 June). The Serbian SuperLiga side will aim to build on this result ahead of the new domestic season, which typically begins in late July.

Neftchi Baku, who lost 2-1 to CFR Cluj on 2 July, have now lost both of their pre-season friendlies. Abasov's side finished third in the 2025/26 Azerbaijan Premier League and will look to sharpen their attack before the new campaign kicks off.

Partizan's next friendly is not yet confirmed. Neftchi Baku's next pre-season fixture is also to be announced.

A functional pre-season win for Partizan, who did what was needed without hitting top gear. Neftchi Baku will take encouragement from a disciplined first-half display but need more attacking invention before the competitive season starts. The 1-0 scoreline reflected a game that never quite caught fire — typical for this stage of pre-season.