By Michelle Ndaga
Chelsea Football Club travel to Baku on November 5 for a key UEFA Champions League league-phase match against Qarabağ FK, returning to the city where they famously lifted the 2019 Europa League title after defeating Arsenal 4–1.
The fixture at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium holds major importance for Chelsea, who have collected three points from their opening three games and are seeking a vital win to boost their progression hopes amid strong competition from clubs such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Chelsea, led by manager Enzo Maresca, have improved after an opening defeat to Bayern, posting wins over Benfica and Ajax to climb the standings. The Blues are, however, without several key players due to injuries, including Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, which could see rotation in the starting lineup following the long trip to the South Caucasus.
Qarabağ, Azerbaijan’s dominant club under long-serving coach Gurban Gurbanov, enter the contest as underdogs but remain buoyed by their strong domestic form and passionate home support. Having already secured notable results in their group campaign, the hosts will look to use home advantage to frustrate the Premier League giants.
For Chelsea, victory in Baku would not only strengthen their push for qualification but also reinforce confidence in a squad still finding consistency under Maresca. However, the Blues will be wary of complacency, with Qarabağ known for their disciplined defending and ability to exploit counterattacks.
Kick-off is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. UK time (8:45 p.m. local time) at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium. A win would mark another successful chapter for Chelsea in a city that already holds a special place in the club’s European history.
