"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 Estevao 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."
Chelsea named a weakened side and invited pressure, facing a raucous Qarabag at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium. The match finished 2-2 after Alejandro Garnacho came off the bench to equalise. Estevao Willian scored early but Qarabag responded to lead 2-1 before half-time. Both defences looked vulnerable and both sides created chances. Jorrel Hato had a poor game in central defence, prompting Enzo Maresca to bring on senior players earlier than planned. Chelsea now have seven points from four Champions League games and face tougher fixtures, including Barcelona. Qarabag have improved under long-serving coach Gurban Gurbanov.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]