Chelsea endured a frustrating 2-2 Champions League draw against Qarabag in Baku, with goals from Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho overshadowed by an early injury to Romeo Lavia and defensive struggles.
The Chelsea Chronicle’s match report reveals that a moment of brilliance from substitute Alejandro Garnacho was the decisive factor in preventing an embarrassing result for Chelsea in their Champions League encounter against Qarabag, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
While forward Estêvão showcased his burgeoning talent, the defensive performance was marred by a catastrophic first-half showing, with one young centre-back enduring a particularly difficult evening. The result, a scramble to avoid defeat, leaves the Blues’ automatic qualification hopes in jeopardy.
Player Ratings
Robert Sanchez: 6/10
The goalkeeper’s hands were tied for both of the opposition’s goals, with the defensive line exposing him on each occasion. He otherwise appeared composed when collecting high balls and managing the area, putting in an overall solid, if unremarkable, display.
Reece James: 5/10
Starting on the right side of the defence, the captain was severely tested by Qarabag’s dangerous wide players. Despite the constant pressure he faced in one-on-one situations, James handled his duels reasonably well, maintaining a decent level of performance in his defensive duties.
Tosin Adarabioyo: 5/10
Returning to the starting eleven for the match in Baku, the centre-back was implicated in the concession of the equaliser, though the situation was largely created by poor positioning elsewhere. He did not put in a terrible shift, but his overall contribution was judged to be average for the night.
Jorrel Hato: 3/10
The young Dutch defender had a deeply challenging outing on his rare start at centre-back. His calamitous defending was a major factor in the opposition’s first-half turnaround, including being penalised for a handball that resulted in the penalty which gave Qarabag the lead. It was a night he will want to swiftly forget.
Marc Cucurella: 6/10
The full-back was one of the few members of the defence to emerge with some credit. He was solid on the left flank and performed his duties diligently, offering a dependable option at the back during a shaky period for the team.
Moises Caicedo: 6/10
The midfielder had a busy night at the base of the midfield. He worked hard to cover ground and retrieve possession, but the overall lack of control exhibited by the team in the centre of the park prevented him from truly dominating the game’s tempo.
Andrey Santos: 7/10
The Brazilian demonstrated good composure in the midfield battle and was instrumental in setting up the opening goal for his compatriot. His performance was one of the brighter spots in the centre of the pitch, offering both drive and creativity.
Estêvão Willian: 8/10
The young winger was one of the game’s highlights, enhancing his growing reputation with a brilliant individual effort to open the scoring. His exquisite touch and accurate finish showcased his potential and attacking threat on the right flank.
Jamie Gittens: 6/10
The forward showed flashes of quality but struggled to maintain a consistent influence on the attacking play throughout his time on the pitch, often finding himself disconnected from the flow of the game.
Joao Pedro: 5/10
The attacker endured a quiet match, struggling to link up with his teammates and provide the necessary cohesion in the final third. He appeared to be operating below his best level and was unable to make a meaningful impact.
Tyrique George: 5/10
Operating in the forward line, the player failed to make a strong claim for a regular starting spot, delivering a rather subdued performance before being substituted at the break.
Substitutes:
Moises Caicedo: 6/10
Came on very early to replace the injured Romeo Lavia, but never truly get into the game.
Alejandro Garnacho: 7/10
Coming on at the interval, the young attacker made an immediate, electrifying impact. He rescued the team from defeat with a fiercely struck, left-footed shot from inside the box to level the score. His introduction was the catalyst for the team’s improved second-half display.