Chelsea’s trip to Baku wasn’t as straightforward as Enzo Maresca would have liked, with Qarabag showing why they belong in the Champions League.
There weren’t too many nervous Chelsea fans in the away end when the night’s action got underway.
Estevao’s opener felt like it would be the first of many and the start of a routine night in Europe.
But Qarabag made sure that wasn’t the case and gave their fans plenty to cheer about. They would go into the break with a one-goal lead after coming from behind, setting up a gripping second half of Champions League football.
Alejandro Garnacho evened things up early in the second half, but Chelsea couldn’t find a winner in what was a frustrating last half an hour, and a frustrating night in general. 2-2.
Qarabag FK v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea player ratings vs Qarabag
Robert Sanchez – 6
Sanchez can’t be faulted for the two goals. He had little else to do.
Reece James – 5
An uncharacteristically quiet night from the Chelsea captain. James got involved in a couple of heated encounters, but offered little going forward.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 5
Tosin was shaky. The Qarabag forwards gave him trouble from the off, and he came uncomfortably close to giving away a penalty. The second half was better.
Jorrel Hato – 3
It was a baptism by fire of sorts for the young Dutchman, who was responsible for both Qarabag goals in the first half — losing possession for the opener and giving away a penalty for a handball. A learning moment.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Cucurella set the pace early on, leading the press from the back and reading the danger to prevent a tap-in early on.
Marc Cucurella playing for Chelsea against Qarabag
Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Andrey Santos – 6
Santos did brilliantly for Chelsea’s first goal, teeing up Estevao just after the quarter-hour mark. He made way at half-time as part of a triple-change, with a view of fighting back into the tie, but he can be happy with his 45.
Romeo Lavia – N/A
Absolute heartbreak for Lavia, forced off with an injury after just eight minutes of play. There was so much excitement over Lavia’s Chelsea return, but it’s the same old story for the Belgian — through no fault of his own.
Estevao Willian – 8
Estevao was on target for Chelsea’s opener. There was an air of inevitability when the ball rolled to his feet on the right side of the penalty area. One touch to cut inside and one to rifle it past the keeper.
Estevao Willian celebrates goal for Chelsea against Qarabag
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca could have rested Estevao against Qarabag, but he must be glad he didn’t. We’re running out of superlatives for the 18-year-old. It wasn’t just the goal, either. He made the most dribbles and was Chelsea’s most positive attacker throughout.
Joao Pedro – 4
Pedro is another Chelsea star who didn’t show up against Qarabag. No efforts on goal and no real creativity. A night to forget for the Brazilian.
Jamie Gittens – 5
Gittens got his first Chelsea goal against Wolves, and would have been hoping to build on that in Baku. It didn’t happen for him, though, and at times it felt like he was slowing Chelsea’s progress, standing up defenders when a more direct approach was needed.
Tyrique George – 5
George was another half-time casualty, making way for Liam Delap. He was quiet in the first 45, taking just one shot on goal.
Substitutions
Moises Caicedo – 7
Caicedo didn’t need much warming up when he came on for Lavia within the first ten minutes. He announced his arrival with a shot on goal, and kept the same intensity throughout.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
The Argentinian made an instant impact with a sumptuous finish less eight minutes after coming on. It was a failed pass that bounced back to Garnacho, and a left-footed, low-driven shot was too quick for the Qarabag keeper.
Liam Delap – 5
Another half-time addition, Delap was 1v1 with the keeper but slid it straight at his feet. It would be flagged for offside regardless, but could have been a confidence-booster for the Chelsea striker after a difficult week.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Maresca’s decision to replace Santos with Fernandez was the right one. From the minute he came on, Chelsea looked more assured going forward. He took up advanced positions and was playing with an intent that many in a blue shirt lacked.
Facundo Buonanotte – 5
Buonanotte came on with 20 minutes to go. He had a decent effort from outside the box almost earn Chelsea the lead, but it was just off the mark.