In a gripping Champions League encounter in Baku, Qarabag battled to a well earned 2-2 draw with Chelsea, holding their own against one of Europe’s most in-form sides.
Chelsea began brightly and took an early lead through 18-year-old Estevao, who slotted home a calm finish after an incisive move involving Andrey Santos. However, the hosts refused to crumble. Taking advantage of a defensive lapse from Jorrel Hato, Andrade pounced to level the score after Duran’s strike came off the post.
Moments later, Qarabag’s pressure paid off again. Hato’s handball inside the box handed the home side a penalty, and Marko Jankovic confidently sent Robert Sanchez the wrong way to make it 2-1 before the break.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca turned to his bench at halftime, introducing Alejandro Garnacho, who made an instant impact. The winger equalised with a precise strike into the bottom corner just seven minutes after coming on.
Both sides had chances to win it in the closing stages Kashchuk missed from close range for Qarabag, while Garnacho, Fernandez, Delap and Buonanotte all came close for Chelsea.
The result leaves both teams level on seven points after four group-stage matches. Qarabag next face Neftci in the Misli Premier League, while Chelsea return home to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
