The UEFA Champions League returns to Baku as surprise contenders Qarabağ host two-time European champions Chelsea in what promises to be an intriguing Group Stage clash.
Both sides have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and with qualification hopes on the line, this encounter carries plenty of weight.
Match News and Current Form
Qarabağ are enjoying one of the best seasons in their history, balancing a domestic title challenge with their finest-ever start to a Champions League campaign (W2, L1).
Their only blemish so far came on matchday three against Athletic Club, but a return to familiar surroundings in Baku could be the perfect remedy.
The Azerbaijani champions boast an impressive five-match unbeaten home streak across all competitions (W4, D1), keeping a clean sheet in each of those games.
Their 2–0 triumph over Copenhagen on matchday two highlighted their ability to compete at this level, and another strong display here would mark a milestone: back-to-back European home wins for the first time in their history.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are in blistering form under Enzo Maresca.
A hard-fought 1–0 victory away at Tottenham last weekend made it six wins from their last seven matches (L1) across all competitions.
The Blues’ consistency has also extended to Europe, they have scored in every one of their 23 international fixtures under Maresca, winning 20 of them.
The only concern for the visitors is their away record in this competition: Chelsea have lost three consecutive UCL away matches, including a 3–1 defeat to Bayern Munich earlier this season.
Avoiding a fourth would be crucial to keeping their knockout ambitions firmly on track.
Head-to-Head History
These sides last met during the 2017/18 Champions League group stage, when Chelsea cruised to a pair of victories by a combined 10–0 aggregate.
Qarabağ have yet to record a win or even a draw against English opposition in seven attempts, though their current form suggests this meeting could be far more competitive.
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Only two of Qarabağ’s last eight matches have seen both teams score.
- Qarabağ have netted 2+ goals in four of their last five European home games.
- Chelsea have scored six of their seven UCL goals this season before half-time.
- None of Chelsea’s last 51 European fixtures have finished goalless, a run dating back several seasons.
Key Players to Watch
Leandro Andrade continues to shine on the European stage for Qarabağ, scoring all five of his goals this season in continental competitions, each coming before the hour mark.
His direct running and finishing could prove pivotal once again.
For Chelsea, Estêvão is the name to watch.
The teenage sensation scored his first Champions League goal in the emphatic 5–1 win over Ajax, and could become the first South American player aged 18 or younger to net in consecutive UCL games with another strike in Baku.
Team News
Both managers have reason to be pleased, as neither camp reports any fresh injury concerns ahead of this fixture. Maresca is expected to rotate slightly, but a strong Chelsea lineup is still anticipated as they look to secure top spot in the group.
Potential Lineups
Qarabag: 4-2-3-1 – Kochalski; Matheus Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Pedro Bicalho, Kady Borges; Bayramov, Leandro Andrade, Zoubir; Akhundzade
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Jorgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Tosin, Hato; Lavia, Santos; Estevao, Bounanotte, Gittens; George
Where to watch
United Kingdom: TNT Sports
United States: Paramount+
Canada: DAZN Canada
India: Sony LIV
Australia: Stan Sport
Nigeria: Supersport.
Conclusion
Qarabağ have been exceptional at home and won’t make this easy, but Chelsea’s firepower and experience at this level should eventually tell.
Expect an intense first half before the visitors take control after the break.
My score prediction: Qarabag 1-3 Chelsea.
