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Football Insider

Qarabag Manager Criticizes Chelsea Players: A Shocking Night in the Champions League

Chelsea's players faced criticism from Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov for their 'inattentive' performance in the 2-2 draw that left the Premier League giants with only one point against the Azerbaijani minnows. The match, which started brightly for Chelsea, spiraled into chaos as Qarabag fought back with determination and character. Stay updated with the latest news on goal.com.

Qarabag Manager Criticizes Chelsea Players: A Shocking Night in the Champions League

Chelsea's players were criticised by Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov for being "inattentive" in their 2-2 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday. What was expected to be a routine night for the Premier League giants quickly descended into chaos as the travelling Blues clung on to secure only one point on their travels to Azerbaijan.For the opening 20 minutes, Chelsea looked every inch the Champions League heavyweight. After just 16 minutes, Estevao showed why he’s being talked about as the future of Stamford Bridge as he put his side in front with a sleek finish. But as the Blues’ intensity dipped and complacency crept in, Qarabag sensed blood. In the 29th minute, Camilo Duran sliced through Chelsea’s flimsy midfield and tried his luck from distance, but his effort cannoned off the post. Nonetheless, the rebound fell kindly for Leandro Andrade and he levelled the score. Six minutes before the break, Jorrel Hato conceded a penalty and Marko Jankovic converted from the spot to put the hosts in front. By the interval, Maresca had seen enough. The Italian rang the changes, making three substitutions. Among those introduced was Alejandro Garnacho, and the Argentine made an instant impact. Just 12 minutes into the second half, Garnacho took matters into his own hands, driving into the box and unleashing a thunderous left-footed strike that arrowed into the bottom corner, making it 2-2. But rather than building on the equaliser, Chelsea again drifted into sloppiness. The match became wide open, paving the way to a chaotic end-to-end battle that bore no resemblance to the slick, organised football Maresca preaches.After the match, Qarabag boss Gurbanov couldn’t hide his pride for his own player. "First of all, I would like to congratulate our supporters," he began. "It was a magnificent day, with Victory Day (a public holiday) in several days. My players struggled and are fighters. My team showed determination until the final minutes against the champions of the world. My team were not afraid and demonstrated Azerbaijani character. They earned their first point against an English team. Of course, this result boosts confidence and our profile. This is what makes our supporters love football. Maybe Chelsea players were inattentive and didn't expect us to attack."Chelsea's starting XI, with an average age of just 23 years and 97 days, was the second youngest ever fielded by an English club in a Champions League away match. And the inexperience almost cost them the match. Maresca tried to keep his cool in the post-match press conference, but there was no hiding his frustration."The big difference today for me was inside the box," he said. "The goal we conceded, they are silly goals for me. In their box, for the amount of times that we arrived, we have not been clinical enough. So this is the big difference for me."Maresca also gave credit to Qarabag, adding: "They are a good team, I said already a few days ago, they are a good team, they are doing well. And especially at home, it's difficult."Level on points with Qarabag - seven from four games - the Blues are in real danger of being forced into a knockout play-off instead of automatic progression to the Champions League last 16. They are currently 12th in the standings with the top eight assured of a last-16 berth. And tougher tests are on the horizon. Barcelona visit Stamford Bridge later this month, while away trips to Atalanta and Napoli loom ominously.

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A Rollercoaster Match

The encounter started strongly for Chelsea, with Estevao putting the Blues in front after just 16 minutes. However, a lack of intensity and complacency allowed Qarabag to seize the momentum. A goal from Leandro Andrade and a penalty converted by Marko Jankovic turned the tables in favor of the hosts.

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Maresca's Tactical Changes

Faced with a resilient Qarabag side, Enzo Maresca made crucial substitutions at half-time, including introducing Alejandro Garnacho, whose thunderous strike leveled the score at 2-2. Despite the equalizer, Chelsea struggled to maintain control and allowed the match to become chaotic and unpredictable.

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Gurbanov's Pride and Criticism

Qarabag manager Gurban Gurbanov expressed pride in his team's performance, highlighting their determination and fearlessness against the reigning world champions. He credited their fighting spirit and suggested that Chelsea's inattentiveness and lack of preparation for Qarabag's attacking threat played a role in the unexpected result.

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Maresca's Concerns and Tough Challenges Ahead

Enzo Maresca acknowledged the defensive lapses that cost Chelsea goals and rued the missed opportunities in the attacking third. With tougher tests against Barcelona, Atalanta, and Napoli looming, Chelsea find themselves in a precarious position in the Champions League standings and must improve their performances to secure automatic progression to the last 16.

Published on November 6, 2025