Garnacho spares Chelsea shock Champions League loss at Qarabag

<p>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.</p><p>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 <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2025/nov/05/qarabag-v-chelsea-champions-league-live?filterKeyEvents=false&amp;page=with%3Ablock-690b9e008f089a1496316287#block-690b9e008f089a1496316287">with a fine equaliser</a>, 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.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/nov/05/qarabag-chelsea-champions-league-match-report">Continue reading...</a>