Qarabağ continue their impressive UEFA Champions League run as they host two-time winners Chelsea in Baku. The Azerbaijani side have won two of their first three matches and remain full of belief despite losing to Athletic Club last time out. Backed by a strong home record and five straight clean sheets, they look ready to test Chelsea’s growing confidence at the neutral Tofiq Bahramov Stadium.
Chelsea arrive in fine form, buoyed by their 1-0 derby win at Tottenham over the weekend, which SoftFootball covered in detail through Moisés Caicedo’s reflections on the victory. The Blues have now won six of their last seven games in all competitions and are rediscovering their rhythm under Enzo Maresca. Their UCL campaign also received a boost last time out when Chelsea’s young stars inspired a stunning 5-1 win over Ajax.
Team News
Qarabağ forward Leandro Andrade has been pivotal, scoring all five of his goals this season in European matches, each before the hour mark. Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estêvão, who found the net against Ajax, could make history as the first South American player under 19 to score in consecutive UCL matches. Both teams are expected to have full squads available, with no new injury concerns reported.
Possible Lineups
Qarabağ: Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Jafarquliyev; Bicalho, Malinowski; Duran, Andrade, Zoubir; Akhundzade.
Chelsea: Jorgensen; Gusto, Acheampong, Adarabioyo, Hato; Lavia, Fernandez; Estêvão, Pedro, Gittens; Guiu.
Chelsea shared a post on their official X account announcing their match against Qarabag FK at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, referencing a historical 4-0 victory there in 2017, highlighting Chelsea’s dominance in their only prior encounters with the Azerbaijani side.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Chelsea’s confidence and attacking momentum may prove decisive. Qarabağ’s defensive resilience could frustrate them early, but the Blues’ quality should shine through.
Prediction: Qarabağ 1–3 Chelsea
