Failed To Beat Qarabag, Garnacho Saves Chelsea

JAKARTA - Chelsea failed to meet the target of defeating the Qarabag in the Champions League preliminary match. In a duel at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan, Thursday, November 6, 2025 in the morning WIB, Alejandro Garnacho saved Chelsea and forced a 2-2 draw against Qarabag.

Qarabag is not an easy opponent for Chelsea. Chelsea initially hoped to overcome their rivals when they visited Qarabag's headquarters in Azerbaijan. Chelsea, who is a London club, had to travel very far when playing away matches.

However, the target of three points in that match failed to be achieved. Chelsea actually started well when Estevoo Willian successfully broke into the host's goal. However, Qarabag was able to turn things around and lead 2-1.

Luckily, Alejandro Garnacho entered the second half to replace Jamie Gitten. The former Manchester United winger saved Chelsea from defeat after scoring a goal that equalized.

The result made Chelsea stuck in 12th place or the playoffs zone with seven points. Chelsea's points were the same as Qarabag. However, Qarabag lost the goal difference to rank 15.

"I've already said that Qarabag is able to play very well," said Enzo Maresca's manager in response to the performance of the opposing team.

They played amazingly and didn't easily face them. On the other hand, we conceded goals that weren't really necessary. Apparently, we really had to be more careful in the face of the next match," he said again.

In that match, Chelsea did not go down with full strength. However, Maresca still leaves Reece James captain who is working hand in hand with main defender Marc Cucurella in the back sector. They started Robert Sanchez who was still standing under the bar.

In the midst of Joao Pedro and Estevoo who were able to revive the team's attack. Even Estevoo put Chelsea ahead. This young Brazilian star managed to score in the 16th minute. Unfortunately Chelsea's 1-0 lead did not last long.

The Qarabag, which started the match slowly, managed to get out of the pressure and offset the two-time Champions League champions. As a result, Leandro Andrade was able to use the rebound ball to equalize the score in the 29th minute.

This goal started with Qarabag's efforts to put pressure on and Camilo Duran had fired a shot at the goal that Jorrel Hato blocked. But then the rebound was then struck by Andrade.

In the 1-1 position, Chelsea conceded again in the 39th minute. Qarabag was awarded a penalty following a foul by Hota.

The 19-year-old defender did a handball so the referee pointed to the spot. Marko Jankovic completed the penalty which made the score 2-1. The score lasted until the first half was over.

Entering the second half, Maresca made changes to the composition of the players. Garnacho entered with Enzo Fernandez and Liam Delap. They made Chelsea's attacks more lively.

Even Garnacho then managed to break into the Qarabag goal in the 53rd minute. Short kick he was able to beat goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski to change the score to 2-2.

Not only that, Garnacho almost bought things by scoring a second goal. But his volley bounced he failed to score. The draw lasted until the end of the match.

"Our team showed a determination until the last minute against the world champion between clubs," said Qarabag coach Gurban Gurbanov, who was satisfied with the team's results and performances.

"They are not at all afraid and show character to get the first point against the England team," he said.