The New Saints face a significant mountain to climb after losing the first leg of their UEFA Champions League first qualifying round 2-0 to Sabah in Baku, with the Welsh side dominated throughout at the Azerbaijani title holders' ground.

Veljko Simic and Kaheem Parris both struck in the second half to hand Sabah a commanding lead ahead of the return fixture at Park Hall on Tuesday, 14 July (18:30 BST).

Sabah dominate but wasteful in first half

Sabah, who claimed the Azerbaijan Premier League title for the first time last season, controlled the opening 45 minutes but struggled to convert their chances. Tymoteusz Puchacz, Joy-Lance Mickels, Simic, and Aaron Malouda all passed up opportunities in front of goal.

The New Saints — Cymru Premier champions for a record-extending 18th time last season — were largely confined to their own half. Their clearest opening of the first half came through midfielder Leo Smith, whose shot from Dominic Corness' corner was blocked.

Simic and Parris seal it after the break

Sabah picked up where they left off after the interval, pressing Saints' organised defence with greater urgency. Aaron Malouda — son of former Chelsea and France winger Florent — cut inside and curled a shot over the crossbar, only for Sabah to break the deadlock moments later.

Simic powered a header from Puchacz's corner past Saints goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd to open the scoring. The Serbian then turned provider with six minutes remaining, laying the ball into the path of Parris, who slotted home to double the advantage.

The second leg at Park Hall gives The New Saints one final chance to overturn the deficit and keep their European dreams alive.