Qarabag Shock Chelsea in Chaotic 2-2 Champions League Thriller
Qarabag Punish Chelsea’s Gamble
This was not a night for Enzo Maresca’s signature calm and control. Chelsea rolled the dice and nearly paid the price. Starting with one of their youngest-ever Champions League lineups, they invited pressure from a fired-up Qarabag side and stumbled to a frantic 2-2 draw in Baku.
Estêvão Willian gave Chelsea an early lead, showing flashes of brilliance that justified the hype around him. But the roar inside the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium only grew louder as Qarabag stormed back. Leandro Andrade equalized, Marko Jankovic converted a penalty, and suddenly the Blues were facing the unthinkable: another European embarrassment.
Hato’s Nightmare, Garnacho’s Rescue
Jorrel Hato endured a nightmare night at the back. Nervy on the ball and bullied in duels, the 19-year-old’s handball gifted Qarabag their second goal. With Roméo Lavia limping off early and the midfield overrun, Chelsea looked fragile and uncertain.
Maresca had to call in reinforcements. On came Alejandro Garnacho, Enzo Fernández, and Liam Delap and within minutes, Garnacho delivered. The Argentine winger’s crisp 18-yard strike rescued Chelsea from disaster, but the performance left more questions than answers.
Qarabag’s Rise and Chelsea’s Reality Check
Credit must go to Qarabag, who played with courage, pace, and belief. Their energy overwhelmed Chelsea for long stretches, and they walked off to a standing ovation. Gurban Gurbanov’s side, now level on points with the Blues, proved they are no longer European pushovers.
For Chelsea, this draw could hurt. Seven points from four games leaves them vulnerable in the Champions League’s new league phase, with Barcelona up next at Stamford Bridge. A stronger lineup will be essential and Maresca knows it.
It was a wild, breathless night in Baku one that reminded everyone how quickly chaos can strike in Europe’s biggest stage. Sometimes, control is a luxury you can’t afford.
