Armenian Football's Historic Week: First Euro Win & Goals

Armenian footballers are having their moment, and it's one for the history books.

Between February 17 and 24, Armenian players delivered performances that will be remembered for years. The crown jewel came when FC Noah captain Hovhannes Hambardzumyan scored against AZ Alkmaar, giving his team a 1-0 victory in the Conference League. It marked the first time an Armenian club ever scored and won in European playoff competition.

"This is huge for Armenian football," sports journalist Vahe Hakobyan wrote. The win showed that Armenian clubs can compete at Europe's highest levels.

But Noah's historic night wasn't the only celebration. In Italy's Serie A, veteran midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan came off the bench for Inter Milan and scored the game-winner against Lecce in the 75th minute. The 36-year-old continues to prove age is just a number at one of Europe's top clubs.

Over in Serbia, Nair Tiknizyan delivered standout performances in two massive matches. He helped Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) beat Lille 1-0 in Europa League play, then assisted on a goal in a 3-0 derby victory over rivals Partizan. Both games earned him ratings above 7.4 from SofaScore.

The success spread across continents. In Argentina, 33-year-old Lucas Zelarayán scored his second goal in five matches for Belgrano with a beautiful strike. Tigran Barseghyan found the net for Slovan in Slovakia after coming on at halftime in a 2-2 draw.

Even the youngest players joined the party. Nineteen-year-old Albert Aleksanjan made his debut for Norrköping in Sweden and immediately recorded an assist. In England, Finn Geragusian won a penalty and scored for Sunderland's U21 team.

The Ripple Effect

This wasn't just a good week for individual players. Armenian football as a whole took a giant leap forward. Noah's breakthrough shows younger players that European glory is possible. Mkhitaryan's continued excellence at Inter inspires the next generation. Tiknizyan's performances prove Armenian players can thrive at top Serbian clubs competing in Europa League.

The timing couldn't be better. Most of these players are entering the final stretch of their seasons with momentum and confidence. Return legs in European competitions loom, and domestic leagues are heating up.

Armenian football now has proof that its players belong on the biggest stages, making history one goal at a time.