Chelsea were held to a 2–2 draw by Qarabağ FK in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Despite ending their three-match away losing streak, Softfootball understands that the result felt more like a defeat among the fans, many of whom took to social media to vent their frustration over the team’s inconsistency and Maresca’s tactical choices.
The Blues had taken an early lead through Estêvão’s fine strike in the 16th minute, but Qarabağ hit back through Leandro Andrade and Marko Janković to take a 2–1 advantage before halftime. Alejandro Garnacho equalized after the break, yet Chelsea’s inability to find a winner despite being heavy favourites to get all three points left supporters bitterly disappointed.
One X user, who goes by Bearded Priest (@BeardedPriest1), summed up the frustration with humour, mocking the opponents’ unfamiliar name while expressing disbelief at the result. reflecting the growing discontent among fans who had expected a more commanding performance.
He wrote:
We can’t even win against a team with a name that’s like a WiFi password
For others, the focus turned to Maresca’s rotation policy and tactical setup. JayJay (@TheJayLason) expressed concern over the manager’s lineup decisions, suggesting the Italian’s rotations were reckless rather than strategic.
He complained:
Saw Arsenals line up yesterday, saw ours today then I realize Maresca doesn’t know what he’s doing. U can rotate but not foolishly. Why is Josh not playing? Maresca’s use of our midfield leaves the defense open a lot. The midfield is all opened. It’s all Moi alone in the middle
The criticism didn’t stop there. Jake Heasman (@jakeheasman) went even harder on the manager, blaming him for freezing out one of Chelsea’s key defenders.
He fumed:
Absolutely shambolic result and Maresca to blame. Acheampong, our best CB, frozen out for no reason for Hato, who is nowhere near ready and single-handedly cost us that game. Inexcusable not to win that.
However, not every fan was ready to pile the blame entirely on Maresca. The London Lad (@TheLondonLad_) reminded fellow supporters that the same fans calling for Hato’s inclusion last week were now criticising his selection.
He said:
Last week, most of y’all wanted Hato to start, He gets his start and now it’s Maresca at fault for him underperforming??
But for some, patience with the manager appears to be wearing thin. Adoga Michael Oyi (@AdogaMikeOyi) accused Maresca of underestimating the opposition and fielding a lineup unsuited for Qarabağ’s physical approach.
He argued:
Average coach. Quarabag has been in good form yet you’re starting that useless lineup against them? Quarabag play power football from the front to the back, you need your Caicedo and Enzo to start, you don’t force a winger to play 9 with 2 strikers on the bench.
The draw leaves Chelsea with 7 points after four group matches, and the mood among fans is anything but calm. While the Blues remain well-placed to advance, the reaction online makes it clear that supporters expect far more convincing performances from Maresca’s men on the European stage.
