- Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea : Andrade 29’, Jankovic 38’ – Estevao 17’, Garnacho 53’
A sluggish and uninspired Chelsea side was held to a disappointing draw by Qarabag. The reigning world champions were caught off guard by a brave and aggressive Azerbaijani team that showed absolutely no fear at Stamford Bridge.
With seven changes from the lineup that faced Tottenham, Chelsea looked to rotate in the middle of a tight Premier League race. But the plan fell apart quickly — just four minutes in, Lavia limped off with a muscle injury, forcing Caicedo to come on. Despite Estevão’s 17th-minute opener, the Blues looked passive and nervous. Jorrel Hato embodied that fragility, committing costly errors on both Qarabag goals. On the first, he failed to shield the ball and was dispossessed in his own box; on the second, a careless handball gifted the visitors a penalty.
Down 2–1 at halftime, Chelsea responded early in the second half when Garnacho came off the bench to score his second goal of the season. Yet that spark quickly faded. The Blues failed to build any momentum and ultimately had to settle for what felt like a lucky draw against a courageous Qarabag side that simply wanted it more.