Garnacho spares Chelsea shock Champions League loss at Qarabag

This was not a night for Enzo Maresca’s trademark control. Chelsea invited pressure by starting with a weakened team against dangerous opposition and were anything but measured as they battled in vain to douse Qarabag’s spirit and skill at a raucous Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium.

Those lucky enough to be there were treated to a wonderfully absorbing contest. It finished 2-2, Alejandro Garnacho coming off the bench to spare Chelsea’s blushes with a fine equaliser, but it could have been anything. Both sides had chances, both defences were ropey and it had seemed that something special was brewing when Qarabag responded to an early goal from the outstanding Estêvão Willian by going 2-1 up before half-time.

In the event Chelsea’s depth ensured that they left with a point to show from their 5,000 mile round-trip to Azerbaijan’s capital city. However, they left for London knowing that they had been in a battle. Jorrel Hato endured a nightmare in central defence, Maresca had to bring on the big names earlier than anticipated and the worry for Chelsea is how much damage this draw will do their hopes of finishing in the top eight of the league phase. They have seven points points from their first four outings in this season’s Champions League and have tough games coming up. Barcelona visit Stamford Bridge later this month and will see how much Qarabag troubled Chelsea’s youngsters.

Qarabag, also on seven points, have made huge strides under their long-serving coach, Gurban Gurbanov, since twice being thrashed by Chelsea in 2017. All the ingredients were there for an awkward occasion. Chelsea knew that they were inviting pressure by naming a number of regulars on the bench.

Maresca had to manage his squad’s workload but his decision to make seven changes elevated Qarabag’s belief. The underdogs were fearless and it was not easy for Chelsea to gather their thoughts given the noise pouring down from the stands, where the sight of some home fans standing in the aisles added to the air of unruliness.

It was mayhem. Maresca rotated heavily – a starting lineup with an average age of 23 years and 97 days meant Chelsea had fielded the second youngest side by an English club in a Champions League away game – but it was not long before the familiar sight of Roméo Lavia going off injured forced a rejig.

Moisés Caicedo came on but the introduction of of Chelsea’s best midfielder did nothing to quell Qarabag’s dominance. They ripped forward at will throughout the first half and repeatedly targeted Hato and Tosin Adarabioyo, who did nothing to help his younger teammate.

Hato’s struggles were tough to watch. The 19-year-old made a ropey start, almost giving away a penalty after tangling with Camilo Durán, and it only got worse from there for the Dutch defender. He was bullied by Durán in the buildup to Leandro Andrade cancelling out an early goal from Estêvão in the 29th minute and was again at fault again when Qarabag went ahead.

Qarabag had a lead to protect after Hato compounded his initial mistake of coughing up possession in a dangerous area by handling Andrade’s cross, giving Marko Jankovic the chance to make it 2-1 by sending Robert Sánchez the wrong way from the spot. Chelsea looked stunned. They were in a commanding position when they broke through in the 16th minute. João Pedro played a clever pass to Andrey Santos, the midfielder found Estêvão and the winger cut inside from the right before firing a low shot past Mateusz Kochalski.

The goal ought to have settled Chelsea. Instead, they were pegged back when Hato failed to deal with a long ball. Durán nipped in and hit the post but Andrade converted the rebound. Qarabag looked like they wanted it more, epitomised by the moment when Elvin Jafarguliyev charged through unhindered from left-back and shot narrowly over.

Maresca introduced Garnacho, Enzo Fernández and Liam Delap for Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George and Santos at half-time. Garnacho soon conjured an equaliser, drilling in from 18 yards, but it was common to see Maresca bawling at his player.

Qarabag’s energy levels dipped as the second half wore on. Estêvão, riding some tough challenges on the right, tested their resilience with some incredible dribbles. It was anyone’s to win. The Qarabag substitute Dani Bolt shot straight at Sánchez in added time. Garnacho also had a chance but was denied by Kochalski. The locals roared in appreciation at full time.