Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw by resilient Qarabag FK in their UEFA Champions League group stage encounter at Tofik Bakhramov Stadium in Baku on Wednesday evening. The result complicates the Premier League club's ambitions of securing direct qualification for the last 16.
Teenage winger Estevao gave the visitors an early lead in the 16th minute, but the Azerbaijani champions responded emphatically before halftime. Leandro Andrade hammered home an equalizer in the 29th minute after Camilo Duran struck the post, followed by Marko Jankovic converting a 39th-minute penalty following Jorrel Hato's handball.
Head coach Enzo Maresca introduced key substitutes at halftime, including Alejandro Garnacho, who delivered the crucial 52nd-minute equalizer with a precise left-footed strike. Despite Chelsea's second-half pressure, the hosts maintained their impressive Champions League form, having now secured seven points from four matches.
"The difference tonight was in both boxes," Maresca stated post-match. "We conceded avoidable goals while lacking clinical finishing in attack despite creating numerous chances."
The Blues' selection strategy drew attention as Maresca rested several regular starters including Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, explaining: "Some players require rotation after last season's demands and the Club World Cup. When we win, rotation isn't discussed - now it becomes the narrative."
Adding to Chelsea's frustrations, midfielder Romeo Lavia exited early with an injury that Maresca described as "a great shame." Standout performer Estevao earned Player of the Match honors, while the result leaves Chelsea needing strong performances in remaining group fixtures to secure a top-eight finish and bypass February's playoff round.
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