Chelsea survived a major Champions League scare in Azerbaijan on Wednesday, needing a second-half equalizer from super-sub Alejandro Garnacho to salvage a 2-2 draw against a spirited FC Qarabag, in a match that exposed the team’s defensive frailties.
The result puts a dent in Chelsea’s hopes of automatic qualification for the knockout stages, leaving them at risk of a tricky play-off round.
A Tale of Two Halves: Brilliance and Calamity
The Blues started brightly, taking a deserved lead in the 16th minute through their teenage sensation, Estevao (8/10). The Brazilian displayed exquisite touch and composure to turn and fire home, enhancing his burgeoning reputation with his second Champions League goal.
However, Chelsea’s control evaporated almost immediately. The visitors became ragged, and Qarabag capitalized on their disorganization. The equalizer came in the 29th minute after a swift counter-attack, with Leandro Andrade pouncing on a rebound.
The first-half collapse was compounded six minutes before the break when young defender Jorrel Hato (2/10) had a moment of pure nightmare, handling the ball in the box to concede a penalty. Marko Jankovic converted, completing a shocking turnaround and highlighting a calamitous individual performance from the highly-touted Dutchman.
Super-Subs to the Rescue
Manager Enzo Maresca responded with a triple substitution at halftime, and it paid immediate dividends. The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho (8/10) proved inspired, as the winger announced his arrival with a fierce left-footed strike that found the bottom corner to level the score at 2-2.
Another substitute, Enzo Fernandez (7/10), brought much-needed composure to a chaotic midfield, helping Chelsea regain a foothold in the game. Despite late pressure from both sides, including a Garnacho chance to win it, the Blues had to settle for a point.
A Warning Sign for Maresca
While the comeback showcased the impact of Chelsea’s bench, the performance raised serious concerns. The defensive unit, with the exception of the steady Marc Cucurella (7/10), looked vulnerable throughout. The team’s inability to maintain control after taking the lead will be a key focus for Maresca, whose seven changes from the weekend nearly backfired spectacularly.
The draw serves as a stark reminder that there are no easy games in Europe, and Chelsea’s path to the last 16 has just become significantly more complicated.
