BETTING GUIDE: Qarabag Vs Chelsea, match preview, team news and prediction
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Reading Time: 5min | Wed. 05.11.25. | 15:10
Their two previous meetings with Chelsea came during the 2017–18 group stage, where they were heavily beaten 6–0 and 4–0, exposing the gulf in class between the sides
Chelsea travel to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag FK at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on ,Wednesday, night in a pivotal UEFA Champions League fixture.
The Blues will be seeking a third consecutive European victory under Enzo Maresca to solidify their place in the top eight, while Qarabag aim to prove they can compete with Europe’s elite after an encouraging campaign so far.
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For long-serving manager Gurban Gurbanov, Qarabag’s impressive start to the season has brought renewed optimism.
The Azerbaijani champions have registered two victories in their opening three Champions League matches, including a famous 3–2 win over Benfica and a 2–0 triumph against Copenhagen.
Although they suffered a 3–1 defeat away to Athletic Club in Bilbao last time out, Qarabag’s ability to score in every group game highlights their attacking progress and resilience.
Returning to Baku, where they have maintained an unbeaten record across their last five home fixtures (W4, D1) with five consecutive clean sheets, the Horsemen will feel confident of pushing Chelsea harder than in previous meetings.
However, history does not favour the hosts. Qarabag have faced English opposition seven times in European competition, losing all seven and failing to score in the last six.
Their two previous meetings with Chelsea came during the 2017–18 group stage, where they were heavily beaten 6–0 and 4–0, exposing the gulf in class between the sides.
Yet this is a different Qarabag outfit - more organized, compact, and confident in possession - capable of posing greater challenges through their pace and vertical transitions.
Chelsea, on the other hand, come into this fixture in strong form. Since their matchday one defeat at Bayern Munich, Maresca’s men have responded impressively with successive home victories over Benfica (1–0) and Ajax (5–1).
The latter, a statement performance against the Dutch giants, showcased the attacking depth and versatility within the squad, particularly as Chelsea capitalized on Ajax’s early red card to control the game completely.
Domestically, the Blues are riding high after a 1–0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend - their sixth win in seven competitive outings (L1) - which leaves them full of confidence ahead of the long trip to Baku.
Maresca’s side remain one of the most clinical in Europe this season, scoring in every one of their 23 international matches under his management.
That offensive consistency has been key to their European push, though Chelsea have struggled on the road in the Champions League.
The 3–1 loss to Bayern earlier this season extended their run of away defeats to three, and one more would mark their longest such streak in the competition since 2005.
Qarabag’s domestic dominance has continued alongside their continental form, with the club sitting comfortably atop the Azerbaijan Premier League.
They have conceded only twice in their last six home fixtures across all competitions, underscoring a well-structured defensive unit that thrives in front of their fans.
Yet, against a team of Chelsea’s calibre, maintaining that solidity will be a significant challenge, especially given their history of collapsing under sustained attacking pressure from top-tier opponents.
Chelsea’s focus will be on extending their winning streak and improving their European away record.
The Blues have been devastating in front of goal, netting six of their seven Champions League goals this season before half-time - a statistic that highlights their fast starts and pressing intensity.
However, defensive lapses remain a minor concern, as they’ve conceded in three of their last five away matches in all competitions.
Qarabag will once again be without forward Ramil Sheydayev, who is not part of the club’s Champions League squad.
Joni Montiel, recently returned from a year-long injury, is also ineligible for this fixture.
However, the Azerbaijani champions will rely heavily on attacking midfielder Leandro Andrade, their top scorer this season with goals against both Benfica and Athletic Club.
Andrade’s intelligent movement and sharp finishing will be central to Gurbanov’s tactical approach.
On the left flank, Abdellah Zoubir, who scored and assisted at the weekend, offers creativity and technical flair, while Marko Vešović provides valuable experience and leadership at the back.
Chelsea, meanwhile, travel without several key names.
Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Benoît Badiashile, and Dario Essugo remain sidelined through injury, while Mykhaylo Mudryk continues to serve a provisional suspension for breaching anti-doping regulations.
On a brighter note, João Pedro, who missed the Ajax clash through suspension, is set to return to the starting lineup after netting the winning goal against Spurs.
Young Brazilian star Estêvão, who scored his first Champions League goal last time out, is also expected to retain his place in attack.
Maresca could make a few rotations in midfield, with Romeo Lavia pushing for a start in place of Moises Caicedo, who may be rested.
Liam Delap, recently back from injury, could also be in contention for his first European appearance, though fitness concerns might limit him to a bench role.
The only two previous encounters between Qarabag and Chelsea ended in heavy defeats for the Azerbaijani club (aggregate score 10–0).
While Qarabag have since grown as a team, they have never managed a victory over English opposition.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have historically enjoyed strong form against teams from Eastern Europe, winning eight of their last nine such encounters in UEFA competitions.
Key Pointers
Qarabag have scored 2+ goals in four of their last five European home matches.
Just two of Qarabag’s last eight competitive games have seen both teams score.
Chelsea have scored in all 23 international matches under Enzo Maresca.
None of Chelsea’s last 51 European fixtures have ended goalless.
The Blues have scored six of their seven UCL goals this season before halftime.
Despite Qarabag’s resilience at home, Chelsea’s superior squad depth, technical quality, and European pedigree make them overwhelming favourites.
The hosts may find some joy on the counter, but sustaining defensive discipline for 90 minutes against a high-pressing Chelsea side will be difficult.
Chelsea’s away record in Europe is a mild concern, but Maresca’s men have enough firepower to overcome it, especially with João Pedro and Estêvão in fine attacking form.
Expect the visitors to dominate possession and create several chances early, while Qarabag could threaten sporadically on transitions.
With both sides in strong scoring form and Chelsea eager to seal qualification momentum, goals are likely - but the Blues’ superior quality should see them prevail comfortably in Baku.
Prediction; Chelsea to Win
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