Chelsea narrowly avoided a stunning Champions League defeat after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Qarabag in Baku. Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to salvage a point on a night when Enzo Maresca’s much-rotated side failed to find rhythm or composure against spirited opposition.
Chelsea’s manager had opted to rest several key players for the long trip to Azerbaijan, but the decision backfired. Qarabag, buoyed by a raucous home crowd, displayed courage and creativity throughout the encounter, causing constant problems for a young Chelsea side whose inexperience was exposed.
The visitors started brightly and took the lead in the 16th minute when João Pedro combined smartly with Andrey Santos, setting up Estêvão Willian to fire in a composed finish at the near post. However, Chelsea’s control quickly faded as defensive lapses crept in. Nineteen-year-old Jorrel Hato endured a difficult night, struggling to cope with Qarabag’s physical forwards and committing errors that led to both opposition goals.
Leandro Andrade equalised after Hato’s failed clearance allowed Camilo Durán to test the post, and soon after, Qarabag went 2-1 up when Hato handled inside the area. Marko Jankovic converted the penalty confidently to send the home supporters into wild celebration.
Maresca responded at halftime by introducing Enzo Fernández, Liam Delap, and Garnacho, injecting much-needed energy and experience. The changes had an impact as Chelsea began to dominate possession, with Fernández and Garnacho both forcing fine saves from Mateusz Kochalski. Garnacho eventually levelled the score with a precise strike from the edge of the box, rescuing a vital point.
Despite late pressure, Chelsea were unable to complete the comeback, and Qarabag almost claimed a famous win when substitute Dani Bolt forced a sharp stop from Robert Sánchez in stoppage time.
The result leaves Chelsea level on points with Qarabag after four matches, casting doubt on their hopes of finishing in the top eight of the league phase. With Barcelona, Atalanta, and Napoli still to face, tougher challenges await. Maresca will be concerned by his side’s defensive frailties and the struggles of his understudies, but Garnacho’s intervention at least prevented what could have been a humiliating night for the Blues.
