Baku: Azerbaijani football team Qarabag is preparing to face Chelsea in a pivotal Champions League match, as they look to continue their surprising performance in this season’s competition. Having been mocked during their Champions League debut eight years ago, Qarabag is now proving themselves to be formidable opponents, matching Chelsea’s six points from a possible nine in the initial league phase matches.
According to BBC, Qarabag’s progress is marked by a significant transformation since their first appearance in the league. Back in the 2017-18 season, they suffered heavy defeats, including a 6-0 loss at Chelsea and a 4-0 defeat at home. However, they have steadily improved and are now competing on a more equal footing with some of Europe’s best teams. A victory against Chelsea would mark Qarabag’s most notable achievement in European competitions, especially as it coincides with their 200th European match.
Chelsea’s manager, Enzo Maresca, acknowledges the challenge posed by Qarabag, citing the long travel to Baku and the team’s disciplined style of play under their long-serving manager, Gurban Gurbanov. Despite never having beaten English opposition in Europe, Qarabag’s determination remains strong as they prepare to host Chelsea at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, where a sold-out crowd of 32,000 fans is expected.
Qarabag’s growth is not only reflected in their European campaigns but also in their domestic dominance. Known as “the Barcelona of the Caucasus,” they have secured 11 of the last 12 league titles in Azerbaijan. Their squad, valued at under £22 million, contrasts sharply with Chelsea’s, which exceeds £1 billion. Yet, under Gurbanov’s leadership, Qarabag has achieved landmark victories and earned a reputation for resilience and strategic play.
Despite the challenges, Qarabag’s ambition to progress further in the Champions League remains undeterred. With key talents like Leandro Andrade, Marko Jankovic, and Abdellah Zoubir, the team is set to give Chelsea a run for their money. As they aim for back-to-back home victories in a major European competition, Qarabag is on the brink of achieving another milestone in their remarkable journey.