BAKU, Azerbaijan (BN24) — Alejandro Garnacho spared Chelsea from a humiliating Champions League defeat on Wednesday, scoring a crucial second-half equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw with Qarabag at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.
Enzo Maresca’s side appeared headed for an embarrassing night after falling behind to the Azerbaijani champions despite taking an early lead through Estevao Willian. The 18-year-old Brazilian opened the scoring in the 16th minute, converting from close range after a sharp pass from Andrey Santos.
Qarabag hit back with determination. Leandro Andrade struck in the 29th minute after Camilo Duran’s effort came off the post, and Marko Jankovic put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot before halftime following a handball by Jorrel Hato.
Facing the prospect of their first Champions League away loss since 2022, Chelsea turned to Garnacho. The Argentine winger, a summer signing from Manchester United, came off the bench and fired home from the edge of the area just after the break, earning his side a vital point.
Despite Chelsea’s heavy investment of more than £1.5 billion in recent seasons, the London club struggled to impose itself against a Qarabag squad assembled for less than £7 million since 2020. Both teams now sit on seven points from four matches, keeping their hopes alive for a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16.
Maresca’s lineup featured seven changes from the weekend win at Tottenham as Chelsea contended with travel fatigue and a quick turnaround before Saturday’s Premier League clash against Wolves. The Blues, who arrived in Baku only hours before kickoff, failed to capitalize on several late chances, with Enzo Fernandez and Garnacho both denied by Qarabag goalkeeper Mateusz Kochalski.
Once mocked during their debut season in Europe’s top competition, Qarabag have emerged as one of the surprise packages of this campaign, having already beaten Benfica and Copenhagen. Their spirited display against Chelsea underscored why they remain one of the tournament’s most resilient underdogs.
