Chelsea were fortuitously held to a 2-2 draw against Qarabag on an indifferent night in Azerbaijan to keep their hopes of a top eight finish in the Champions League league phase alive.
The Blues started as the better team and took the lead thanks to a fine finish from Brazilian youngster Estevao. He cut inside from the right wing and rattled the visitors ahead in a fair reflection of their early control.
Qarabag responded brilliantly though. They swung the momentum back in their favour with sustained pressure, especially in the middle of the pitch and were rewarded by two goals before half-time. Leandro Andrade netting the first after a rebound off the post before Marko Jankovic slotted home a penalty.
Enzo Maresca made changes at half-time which brought increased intensity for Chelsea and Alejandro Garnacho drilled in an equaliser to leave the result in the balance. Neither side could take full advantage however and the match ended in a draw with both teams sharing a point apiece.
Relive the action from the Champions League clash with our live blog below:
Qarabag vs Chelsea live
- Qarabag draw with Chelsea in the Champions League
- 53' GOAL! Garnacho comes off the bench to equalise (QAR 2-2 CHE)
- 39' GOAL! Jankovic converts from the spot (QAR 2-1 CHE)
- 29' GOAL! Andrade levels with fine finish (QAR 1-1 CHE)
- 16' GOAL! Estevao drills Chelsea into the lead (QAR 0-1 CHE)
Disjointed Chelsea held to draw by Qarabag in shock Champions League result
Wednesday 5 November 2025 20:10 , Mike JonesChelsea were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Qarabag in Baku as their hopes of achieving direct passage to the last-16 of the Champions League received a blow.
Things looked desperate for the away side when Marko Jankovic’s penalty saw them fall behind in the first half following a brilliant strike from Leandro Andrade that had levelled the match.
Disjointed Chelsea held to draw by Qarabag in shock Champions League result
Full-time! Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:40 , Mike Jones90+5 mins: It’s over.
A draw for both teams and a huge result for Qarabag who have more than held their own against the Premier League side.
Both teams take a point and advance to the next fixture. Chelsea will be disappointed but in truth they didn’t really deserve more than this.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:38 , Mike Jones90+3 mins: Save!
Alejandro Garnacho meets an aerial ball with an overhead scissor kick and finds the target.
However, he’s denied by Kochalski witht he goalkeeper making a sharp stop close to the goal.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:37 , Mike Jones90 mins: Five minutes of added time to play.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:33 , Mike Jones87 mins: Time is ticking away and the Qarabag fans are jeering the Blues in an attempt to drum up a hostile atmosphere.
Still time for a winning goal.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:30 , Mike Jones84 mins: Chelsea shoot from outside the box through Enzo Fernandez who tries to curl his effort into the far bottom corner.
There’s not enough swerve on the shot though and it goes wide.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:25 , Mike Jones81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes of this game.
At this point a draw would be a fair result as both teams have had their moments of dominance and skill.
On the whole Chelsea have probably been underpar but there is still time to win this one.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:24 , Mike Jones78 mins: Jankovic fouls Fernandez trying to nip the ball away from the Chelsea midfielder.
The Blues then float a long ball into the box for Cucurella’s darting run.
He collides with the goalkeeper and Qarabag earn a free kick of their own.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:19 , Mike Jones75 mins: Elvin Jafarguliyev can’t continue or else has been taken off as a precaution following his cramp.
Dani Bolt replaces him for Qarabag.
15 minutes to play in Azerbaijan, will there be a winning goal?
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:16 , Mike Jones72 mins: Joao Pedro is taken off by Enzo Maresca in this latest break of play.
In his place comes Facundo Buonanotte who should bring a bit more control in midfield.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:15 , Mike Jones69 mins: Jafarguliyev has gone down with cramp in his left leg and wants some treatment from the physios.
A bit of game management from the hosts perhaps?
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:11 , Mike Jones66 mins: Chelsea are now trying to get some time on the ball but are struggling to manoeuvre it through the midfield.
Qarabag aren’t forcing the issue once more. This match still seems in the balance.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:09 , Mike Jones63 mins: Robert Sanchez leaps to the left to cover a shot from range but the effort is always heading wide.
Qarabag are still looking to take their chances even when they aren’t in the best of positions to score.
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:05 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played in this one and Chelsea are level again.
Enzo Maresca’s changes have worked to bring more energy and intensity to the Blues.
Can they go on and win from here?
Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 19:01 , Mike Jones56 mins: The Chelsea subs have made an impact in giving them a bit more of a cutting edge in the final third.
Enzo Fernandez bends a shot at goal and forces a save out of Mateusz Kochalski.
GOAL! Qarabag 2-2 Chelsea (Alejandro Garnacho, 53')
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:58 , Mike JonesThis is kind of out of nowhere!
A quick transition sends the ball up to Alejandro Garnacho who makes a mess of passing the ball to Estevao.
Luckily it comes back to him and the former Man Utd winger drives a lovely effort into the far bottom corner.
Qarabag 2-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:55 , Mike Jones48 mins: Reece James is booked after making a tactical foul to stop a Qarabag break.
The hosts have picked up where they left off and there’s a more serious feel to this match for Chelsea now.
Second half! Qarabag 2-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:50 , Mike JonesEnzo Maresca makes three changes at the break.
Enzo Fernandez, Liam Delap and Alejandro Garnacho are on in place of Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George and Andrey Santos.
The hosts kick off the second half.
HT Qarabag 2-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:47 , Mike JonesWhat changes, if any, will Enzo Maresca make for the second half.
Jorrel Hato has had a shocker and has arguably been at fault for both goals.
Will he come back out after the break?
HT Qarabag 2-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:40 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Qarabag 2-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:34 , Mike Jones45+3 mins: Chelsea head into the break trailing Qarabag after a poor end to the first half.
The Blues need to gain some momentum and take the initiative in the second 45 minutes.
Expect changes from Enzo Maresca too.
Qarabag 2-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:31 , Mike Jones45 mins: Three minutes of added time to play in the first half.
Qarabag 2-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:27 , Mike Jones42 mins: Chelsea need to get to half-time and have a reset.
Since they scored the opener Qarabag have been the team on the up and they’ve scored two goals.
The Azerbaijan side have performed well in Europe so far and they’re controlling this one now as well.
GOAL! Qarabag 2-1 Chelsea (Marko Jankovic, 39')
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:24 , Mike JonesMarko Jankovic places the ball on the spot and is cool as you like.
He places his spot kick past Robert Sanchez who dives the wrong way.
The hosts have the lead!
Qarabag 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:23 , Mike JonesPenalty to Qarabag!
37 mins: Chelsea are under the pump here and they’ve conceded a penalty.
Jorrel Hato is judged to have handled the ball though it was smoked at him from a couple of yards away.
VAR doesn’t overturn it.
Qarabag 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:22 , Mike Jones35 mins: Close!
Qarabag almost get themselves in front after an underlapping run from left-back Elvin Jafaguliyev.
He receives the ball in the box and rattles it high and wide!
Qarabag 1-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:18 , Mike Jones32 mins: That goal has thrown the cat amongst the pidgeons now.
Chelsea had been warned multiple times with the hosts getting themselves into strong positions.
The Blues won’t panic though and they’ll believe they have the quality to get back ahead.
GOAL! Qarabag 1-1 Chelsea (Leandro Andrade, 29')
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:15 , Mike JonesEqualiser!
Chelsea are caught out at the back with Camilo Duran making use of a long ball to drive into the box.
He weaves into space and shoots but his effort bounces off the post.
The rebound comes to Leandro Andrade who makes no mistakes and guides his own effort across goal to bring Qarabag level.
Qarabag 0-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:14 , Mike Jones28 mins: Another quick burst forward from Chelsea puts Qarabag on the back foot.
Jamie Gittens receives the ball and dances past a defender into the left side of the box.
The shot is on but instead he tries to pickout George with a squared pass but Bahlul Mustafazade is there to intercept and poke the ball clear.
Qarabag 0-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:10 , Mike Jones25 mins: Matheus Silva goes on a fine run from his own half before laying the ball off to Camilo Duran.
He squares a pass into the middle but Marc Cucurella is on hand to clear the danger for Chelsea.
Qarabag 0-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:07 , Mike Jones22 mins: Joao Pedro and Tyrique George look for a dainty one-two on the edge of the Qarabag penalty area but the return pass isn’t great.
Chelsea lose the ball but a strong high press wins it back quickly and they look to set up another attack.
Qarabag 0-1 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:06 , Mike Jones19 mins: Just the start that Chelsea wanted though they do look a bit shaky at the back.
Reece James does well to shut down an attack from Abdellah Zoubir on the Qarabag left.
The Chelsea captain will need to be a leader on the pitch to get a positive result from this one tonight.
GOAL! Qarabag 0-1 Chelsea (Estevao, 16')
Wednesday 5 November 2025 18:03 , Mike JonesIt’s a fourth goal in seven games for Estevao!
Reece James threads the ball into the middle of the middle of the pitch where Andrey Santos spins and releases the ball into the feet of the Brazilian.
Estevao cuts in from the right and drills his effort past the goalkeeper to send Chelsea ahead.
Qarabag 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:59 , Mike Jones14 mins: Estevao is a growing favourite among the Chelsea fans and attempts to get around Kevin Medina.
He touches the ball past the left-back but Medina’s strength keeps him at bay and the defender pokes the ball back to his goalkeeper.
Qarabag 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:56 , Mike Jones11 mins: Caicedo’s first involvement is to take a first time shot from a Chelsea corner.
An attempted clearance drops to him on the edge of the penalty area and he rattles his effort over the top of the crossbar!
Qarabag 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:53 , Mike Jones8 mins: Nope!
Lavia can’t continue and looks agast as he heads into the changing rooms.
Moises Caicedo is quickly stripped and comes onto the pitch to replace him.
On the pitch, Qarabag take a snapshot from outside the box but the effort is blocked on the edge of the box.
Qarabag 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:51 , Mike Jones5 mins: Worrying for Chelsea!
Romeo Lavia goes down clutching his right thigh and the physios are needed to check him over.
He heads off the pitch and may not be able to continue.
Qarabag 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:49 , Mike Jones3 mins: Joao Pedro runs into trouble through the middle of the pitch and loses possession to Pedro Bicalho.
The midfielder is then fouled and Qarabag win themselves a free kick.
Kick off! Qarabag 0-0 Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:46 , Mike JonesChelsea get the ball rolling in Azerbaijan as they look to propel themselves up the Champions League table.
The top eight guarantee themselves a place in the next round and that’ll be the target for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Qarabag vs Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:40 , Mike JonesAlmost time for kick off in this early Champions League clash.
The Blues are heavy favourites to go on an win this one and Enzo Maresca will be hoping his Chelsea team set the tone early on.
Can the London side continue a great week of results for English teams?
Let’s find out...
Record looming for Estevao
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:35 , Mike JonesEstevao scored his first Champions League goal last time out against Ajax.
Should he find the net in this game, the Brazilian would become the first South American player to score in consecutive appearances while aged 18 or younger.
Qarabag's biggest threat
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:30 , Mike JonesQarabag’s Leandro Andrade has scored three goals in five appearances in major European competition in 2025, as many as he managed in 22 European outings for the club prior to this year (three goals).
A fine start to the campaign
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:25 , Mike JonesQarabag have taken six of nine points available in the Champions League this season (W2 L1), after only winning two of 18 available in their previous appearance in this tournament.
The Azerbaijani side have also already tripled their goal haul from the 2017-18 edition (2), netting six goals in three games this term.
Who is the best midfielder in the Premier League?
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:20 , Lawrence OstlereThis weekend the pundits drooled over two Premier League midfielders in particular.
Micah Richards called Declan Rice “one of the best players in world football”, while Jamie Redknapp described Moises Caicedo as “the best of his type in world football”.
Jamie Carragher hailed both and said: “Right now we are watching two of the best midfielders in world football, there’s no doubt about that.”
Rice, Caicedo, Fernandes: Who is the best midfielder in the Premier League?
Chelsea's star man
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:15 , Mike JonesMoisés Caicedo has completed 92.9% of his passes under high-intensity pressure in the Champions League this season (65/70).
That is the third-best completion rate by a central midfielder across the opening three matchdays (min. 50 attempted), behind Arthur Vermeeren (93.3%) and Aleix García (93%).
Will Chelsea lose on the road again?
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:10 , Mike JonesChelsea have lost each of their last three away games in the Champions League, and have only once previously lost four in a row on the road in the competition (between December 2004-May 2005).
Two in a row?
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:05 , Mike JonesAfter beating Copenhagen in their previous Champions League home match (2-0), Qarabag will be looking to win back-to-back home games in the same season in major European competition for the first time ever.
Maresca's international quality
Wednesday 5 November 2025 17:00 , Mike JonesIncluding the Fifa Club World Cup, Chelsea have won 20 of their 23 games in international competition under Enzo Maresca (excluding qualifiers).
They have scored at least once in all 23 matches and average 2.9 goals per outing (66 scored in total).
No luck versus English opponents
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:55 , Mike JonesQarabag have lost all seven of their games against English sides in Europe, conceding 21 goals and only scoring once themselves.
Indeed, their only goal came via a penalty versus Tottenham in September 2015, and have failed to score in all six matches against English opposition since then.
Chelsea's great memories
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:50 , Mike JonesChelsea have scored 10 goals in two games against Qarabag in the Champions League, with this their joint-most in their first two matches against an opponent in the competition (also 10 v Nordsjælland).
Qarabag vs Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:45 , Mike JonesThe previous two meetings between Qarabag and Chelsea were also in the group stage of the Champions League, with the Blues winning 6-0 at home and 4-0 away in the 2017-18 edition.
Qarabag team to take on Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:37 , Mike JonesQarabag XI: Kochalski, Silva, Mustafazade, Medina, Jafarguliyev; Bicalho, Jankovic; Kady, Leandro Andrade, Zoubir; Duran
Subs: Magomedaliyev, Buntic, S. Mmaee, Kouakou, Akhundzade, Addai, Dani Bolt, Kashchuk, T. Bayramov, A. Huseynov, Jabrayilzade, B. Huseynov
Chelsea line-up to face Qarabag
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:32 , Mike JonesChelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Hato, Cucurella; Santos, Lavia; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Gittens; George
Your Chelsea side to take on Qarabag! 👊#CFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/V5GqN6uY4s
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 5, 2025
Maresca gives update on Reece James fitness
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:26 , Mike Jones"Reece is good, he is doing well and is 100% fit,” confirmed the Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca.
“The way he has behaved in every game is top. I think he is ready to play three games in a week. It also depends on the way we use Reece.
“We don’t use him up and down, that is a big job for him, Malo [Gusto], or for any full-back to go up and down.
“So we also protect and save him in the way we try to play."
Chalobah on Qarabag clash
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:21 , Mike JonesTrevoh Chalobah previewed tonight’s clash in the Champions League by saying:
"Every game is going to be tough so we have to be ready for that. If they’ve qualified for the Champions League, it’s something big.
“It means they’ve done really well to get to where they are.
“The Champions League is where we want to be at Chelsea and this is where we want to stay, so we have to show the levels."
When will Palmer return for Chelsea?
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:15 , Mike JonesEnzo Maresca provided an update on Cole Palmer’s recovery from injury saying that the influential midfielder could return after the international break.
Palmer may be back for Chelsea's fixture against Burnley on 22 November, marking an absence of up to 11 games.
Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer update on Chelsea return from injury
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:09 , Jack RathbornEnzo Maresca has revealed Cole Palmer is on track to return to Chelsea training before the end of the month.
The England international has been suffering from a groin injury and last played for the Blues against Manchester United in September.
And after missing eight games, Maresca detailed how Palmer’s rehabilitation has been going well since a setback two weeks ago.
Enzo Maresca provides Cole Palmer update on Chelsea return from injury
Chelsea's early team news
Wednesday 5 November 2025 16:03 , Mike JonesPedro Neto has been left in London with what Enzo Maresca described as a “small issue”, with the Chelsea manager also likely to freshen up his squad elsewhere.
Benoit Badiashile, Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill remain absent.
How can I watch it?
Wednesday 5 November 2025 15:57 , Mike JonesViewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage on the channel from 5pm GMT. A live stream will be available via discovery+.
When is Chelsea vs Qarabag?
Wednesday 5 November 2025 15:51 , Mike JonesChelsea vs Qarabag is due to kick off at 5.45pm GMT on Wednesday 5 November at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku.
Qarabag vs Chelsea
Wednesday 5 November 2025 15:45 , Mike JonesChelsea must negotiate a long trip to Azerbaijan as they continue their Champions League campaign against Qarabag.
Enzo Maresca’s side have bounced back from defeat to Bayern Munich in their opening fixture with consecutive wins, and will hope to continue to build momentum in Europe.
Amid a busy domestic schedule, Maresca has confirmed that he will rotate his side after the long trip to Baku.
But the Chelsea manager will be wary of the threat posed by the hosts — Qarabag have beaten Benfica and Copenhagen already this season to sit level on points with their opponents.
Qarabag vs Chelsea live
Wednesday 5 November 2025 11:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleA long trip to Baku is Chelsea’s midweek Champions League treat as Enzo Maresca’s side look to further their qualification hopes.
Two wins have got the Londoners’ European campaign going after an opening defeat to Bayern Munich, but hosts Qarabag could prove tricky having secured back-to-back successes themselves in this competition.
Kick off is at 5.45pm GMT.
