Qarabaf FK Vs Chelsea: Live Score, Preview, Lineup, Telecast Details
| Date | Today (Wednesday, 05/11/2025) |
| Time | 11:15 PM IST (5:45 PM GMT) |
| Stadium | Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League – League Phase, Matchday 4 |
🔥 The Horsemen Host the Blues in a Crucial Champions League Tie
Qarabağ FK welcomes Chelsea FC to the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku tonight for a pivotal UEFA Champions League league phase encounter. Both teams currently sit level on six points after three matches, making this Matchday 4 fixture a crucial six-pointer in the race for a favourable knockout stage position.
The Azerbaijani champions, Qarabağ, have been the surprise package of the competition, securing impressive victories over Benfica and FC Copenhagen. They will rely on the passionate home crowd and their tactical discipline under long-serving coach Gurban Gurbanov to challenge a big European name yet again.
Chelsea, under coach Enzo Maresca, have rebounded well from an opening-day defeat, securing back-to-back home wins. The young Blues squad, despite ongoing injury issues, is riding high on confidence following a recent domestic derby win and will aim for their first Champions League away victory of the season to take sole control in the upper half of the league table.
- Event: UEFA Champions League – League Phase, Matchday 4
- Date: Today (Wednesday, November 5, 2025)
- Time: 11:15 PM IST (5:45 PM GMT)
- Venue: Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, Baku
- Context: A key clash for second place in the league table, with the Azerbaijani champions looking to continue their historic European run against the London giants.
⚔️ Team Analysis & Form
Qarabağ FK (UCL Standings: 15th, Form: W)
Coach Gurbanov has instilled a patient yet intense pressing system, making Qarabağ a difficult side to break down. Key to their attack is the in-form winger Leandro Andrade, who has been a constant threat, and the dynamic support of players like Abdellah Zoubir and Camilo Durán. The hosts will be without a few squad members like Ramil Sheydaev and Joni Montiel (not in UCL squad), but their core eleven is expected to be solid. They must convert their chances against a team with greater individual quality.
Chelsea FC (UCL Standings: 13th, Form: W)
Chelsea's system under Maresca focuses on structured build-up play, often relying on the orchestration of Enzo Fernández and the forward runs from players like João Pedro and the young, impressive Marc Guiu. Despite the significant injury list including Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, and Benoît Badiashile, the squad depth is sufficient. The visitors will look to dominate possession and exploit the wings. Their main challenge will be maintaining defensive focus against Qarabağ's swift counter-attacks on a long, potentially tiring trip.
⭐ Key Players
- Qarabağ: Leandro Andrade (Winger) - The side's most clinical forward in Europe, his pace and directness will be their primary outlet against Chelsea's full-backs.
- Qarabağ: Mateusz Kochalski (Goalkeeper) - Likely to be called upon frequently, his shot-stopping will be vital in keeping the hosts in the game against Chelsea's varied attack.
- Chelsea: Enzo Fernández (Midfielder) - The orchestrator of Chelsea's play. His ability to control the tempo, break the lines with his passing, and drive the attack forward will be crucial.
- Chelsea: Reece James (Defender/Captain) - The captain's return to fitness provides both defensive solidity and a massive offensive threat from the right flank, which Chelsea will look to use to breach Qarabağ's defence.
🎯 The Key Battlegrounds
- Qarabağ's High Press vs. Chelsea's Build-Up: Qarabağ's intensity at home is a known factor. If Chelsea's midfield pivot (likely Caicedo and Fernández) can smoothly bypass the initial press, they will find large pockets of space to attack.
- Andrade's Pace vs. Chelsea's Left Flank: The duel between the in-form Qarabağ winger and Chelsea's left-back will be a decisive factor, as the hosts will aim to exploit this channel on the counter.
- The Atmosphere: The Tofiq Bahramov Stadium will be a cauldron of noise, a factor that Qarabağ has historically leveraged. Chelsea's young team must demonstrate maturity and focus to silence the home crowd early on.
🔮 Prediction and Final Word
While Qarabağ's incredible start to the campaign—including two wins—demonstrates their tactical acumen and home advantage, Chelsea's individual class and depth are difficult to ignore. History heavily favours the Blues (two wins from two previous meetings with an aggregate score of 10-0 in 2017/18), and though the gap has narrowed significantly, their recent attacking performances suggest they will be too strong.
Expect a professional performance from Chelsea to secure a vital away win, although the home side will make them work hard for it.
Predicted Score: Qarabağ FK 1 - 3 Chelsea FC
Can Qarabağ pull off another shock, or will Chelsea consolidate their position? Tune in tonight to find out!
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