Chelsea vs Qarabag Match Report: A Tough Night in Baku Ends All Square
Chelsea’s Champions League journey took an unexpected turn in Baku as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Qarabag on November 5, 2025. What was expected to be a routine victory turned into a tense, end-to-end battle that exposed Chelsea’s flaws and highlighted Qarabag’s growing European credentials.
Despite taking an early lead through Brazilian teenager Estêvão Willian, Chelsea’s defensive frailties once again came to light. Qarabag capitalised on the mistakes, turned the game around, and forced Chelsea to fight back from behind.
First Half: Chelsea Start Bright, Qarabag Hit Back
Chelsea began the match confidently, dominating possession and creating early chances. Their control was rewarded in the 16th minute when Estêvão Willian opened the scoring with a calm finish, showing the composure of a much more experienced player.
However, the hosts responded with determination. In the 29th minute, Leandro Andrade equalised for Qarabag, pouncing on a rebound after a shot hit the post. The goal electrified the home fans and shifted momentum.
The turnaround was complete just ten minutes later. A handball by Chelsea defender Jorrel Hato gifted Qarabag a penalty, which Marko Jankovic converted clinically in the 39th minute to make it 2-1. The Blues suddenly found themselves trailing and under pressure.
To make matters worse, Chelsea’s Roméo Lavia was forced off early with a muscle injury, disrupting the midfield balance and forcing tactical adjustments.
Second Half: Maresca’s Substitutions Change the Game
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca reacted at halftime by introducing Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, and Enzo Fernández, a triple substitution that completely changed the team’s energy.
The decision paid off almost instantly. In the 52nd minute, Garnacho scored a brilliant equaliser, curling a low strike into the bottom corner to make it 2-2. His impact was immediate, adding pace and directness to Chelsea’s attack.
The Blues continued to press for a winner, with Delap causing problems for the Qarabag defence and Fernández dictating play from midfield. However, despite dominating the second half, Chelsea couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed and were forced to settle for a point.
Tactical Analysis: Chelsea’s Flaws and Qarabag’s Resilience
Chelsea’s Performance
Chelsea’s match was a story of two halves. The first exposed their ongoing defensive issues, especially when facing quick transitions. Hato’s handball and the lack of positional awareness in the first goal highlighted a worrying trend for Maresca’s team.
The midfield also struggled after Lavia’s injury, losing control before the halftime reshuffle. The introduction of Garnacho and Fernández injected life, but The Blues’ defensive discipline remained shaky.
Despite dominating possession and territory in the second half, the Premier League side once again failed to turn control into victory, a recurring issue this season.
Qarabag’s Tactical Brilliance
Qarabag approached the game with a clear plan: absorb pressure, counterattack, and exploit mistakes. Their pace on the wings and sharp transitions caught The Blues off guard.
The Azerbaijani champions showed organisation, belief, and an impressive work rate. Their 2-2 draw against one of Europe’s biggest clubs was more than deserved, and they walked away as the happier side.
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Key Moments Recap
- 16’ – Estêvão Willian puts Chelsea ahead with a composed finish.
- 29’ – Leandro Andrade equalises for Qarabag.
- 39’ – Marko Jankovic scores from the penalty spot to give Qarabag the lead.
- 52’ – Alejandro Garnacho levels the score with a fine strike for Chelsea.
Impact on the Champions League Group
For The Blues, this result leaves them with 7 points from 4 games. While they remain in a strong position in the group, the draw is a missed opportunity. With tougher fixtures ahead, the Blues must find consistency, especially in defence, to secure automatic progression.
Qarabag, on the other hand, continue their impressive run in the competition. With 7 points from 4 games, they are now genuine contenders for a top-eight spot in the league phase. Their resilience in front of home fans at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium has given them belief and momentum.
Standout Performers
- Estêvão Willian (Chelsea): Showed maturity and composure to score early and lead attacks from the wing.
- Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea): Changed the tempo after coming on, scoring a crucial equaliser and injecting energy.
- Leandro Andrade (Qarabag): Constant threat down the left, rewarded with a well-taken goal.
- Marko Jankovic (Qarabag): Converted a key penalty with confidence and controlled midfield transitions effectively.
What’s Next for Chelsea and Qarabag
The Blues will need to regroup quickly. Their attacking talent is clear, but without defensive improvement, progress in Europe could be in danger. Injuries to key players like Lavia further complicate Maresca’s plans as the fixtures pile up.
For Qarabag, this draw is another milestone. They are proving that they can stand toe-to-toe with elite clubs and are emerging as one of the surprise stories of this season’s Champions League.
Final Verdict
A gripping contest in Baku ended 2-2, leaving both teams with mixed emotions. Chelsea’s attacking flair rescued them from a poor first half, but their defensive issues remain glaring. Qarabag, meanwhile, earned a valuable point through hard work, discipline, and determination.
This was not the result The Blues wanted, but it was exactly the kind of match Qarabag needed to announce their growing presence in European football.
FAQs
Q1. What was the final score of Chelsea vs Qarabag?
A1. The match ended 2-2 in the UEFA Champions League group stage.
Q2. Who scored the goals in the match?
A2. For Chelsea: Estêvão (16’) and Garnacho (52’). For Qarabag: Andrade (29’) and Jankovic (39’, penalty).
Q3. Did any injuries affect Chelsea during the match?
A3. Yes. Roméo Lavia suffered a muscle injury and had to be substituted early in the first half.
Q4. How does the result affect Chelsea’s Champions League hopes?
A4. The Blues now have 7 points from 4 games. The draw makes their path to automatic progression more difficult.
Q5. What does the result mean for Qarabag?
A5. Qarabag now also have 7 points and remain in strong contention to qualify for the next stage.
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