The Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, is the setting for a crucial UEFA Champions League league phase fixture as Qarabağ FK host Chelsea. This Matchday 4 contest represents a considerable test for both sides, who remarkably enter the match level on points after the first three games. Qarabağ, the long-standing Azerbaijani champions, have made a historic start to the campaign, securing two memorable victories. Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, have recovered from an opening day defeat to secure back-to-back home wins and are aiming for a decisive result to solidify their top-eight standing. The match is a fascinating clash between Qarabağ’s tactical discipline and home determination against Chelsea’s superior individual quality and depth.
Match Details
This midweek Champions League fixture is critical for both teams’ prospects of progressing past the league phase and into the knockout rounds.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League – League Phase (Matchday 4) |
| Date | Wednesday, November 5, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 5:45 PM GMT (9:45 PM AZT) |
| Venue | Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan |
Team Form and Analysis for Qarabağ FK
Domestic Form and European Performance
Qarabağ FK, managed by the long-serving Gurban Gurbanov, have enjoyed a surprisingly strong start to their Champions League campaign. They have secured two victories from their first three matches, including a stunning 3-2 win over Benfica and a dominant 2-0 home triumph against FC Copenhagen. Their only European defeat came in a tough 3-1 away loss to Athletic Club in Bilbao. These results have demonstrated a marked tactical evolution and resilience from the Azerbaijani side.
The Horsemen currently sit in 15th place in the 36-team Champions League league phase table, level on points (6) with Chelsea. Domestically, they maintain their dominance, sitting top of the Azerbaijan Premier League. Their current success is built on a high-intensity, compact defensive structure and the ability to strike effectively on the counter-attack, which will be essential against the possession-heavy Chelsea side. Historically, Qarabağ have lost all seven previous encounters against English clubs in European competition, failing to score in the last six, a streak they will be desperate to end.
Key Player: Leandro Andrade
Attacker Leandro Andrade is the most significant offensive threat for Qarabağ. The Cape Verde international has scored three goals in five European matches this season, demonstrating his clinical finishing and ability to exploit spaces. Andrade’s pace and skill on the left wing, combined with his willingness to drive at defenders, will be the primary source of incision and counter-attacking threat for the home side.
Team Form and Analysis for Chelsea
Domestic Form and European Performance
Chelsea have found their form in recent weeks, entering the match with two consecutive Champions League wins against Benfica and Ajax, following an opening day defeat to Bayern Munich. Their recent 5-1 thrashing of Ajax at Stamford Bridge highlighted their attacking depth and fluidity under Enzo Maresca. Domestically, Chelsea have secured six wins in their last seven matches across all competitions, including a solid 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.
The Blues are currently in 13th place in the Champions League league phase table, also on 6 points, with a slightly superior goal difference. Manager Enzo Maresca has rotated the squad heavily, reflecting the demanding schedule and focusing on youth integration. Despite a recent run of injuries to key players like Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, the squad’s depth remains formidable. Chelsea will look to overcome a recent poor run of three consecutive away defeats in the Champions League, aiming to secure a vital win on the long trip to Baku.
Key Player: Enzo Fernández
Midfielder Enzo Fernández is the creative and tactical lynchpin of the Chelsea side. His orchestration of play, vision, and extraordinary passing range are central to manager Maresca’s possession-based system. Fernández’s ability to control the tempo, switch play, and find runners in behind will be essential to unpicking Qarabağ’s deep defensive block, especially if the home side proves resistant to early pressure.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
The historical Champions League record between Qarabağ FK and Chelsea is short but heavily in favour of the English club.
| Metric | Qarabağ FK Wins | Draws | Chelsea Wins |
| Total Champions League Meetings | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Aggregate Score (2017/18 Group Stage) | 0 | 10 | |
| Last Meeting (Nov 2017) | Qarabağ 0-4 Chelsea (A) |
The two clubs met in the 2017/18 Champions League group stage, with Chelsea winning both fixtures decisively, scoring ten goals without conceding (6-0 at home and 4-0 away). While Qarabağ’s tactical evolution since then has narrowed the gap, this history underscores the significant quality difference.
Players to Watch
Qarabağ FK
- Abdoullah Zoubir (Attacker): The experienced French winger offers trickery and a threat in transition. His intelligent movement and ability to draw fouls could be key to unsettling the young Chelsea back line.
- Pedro Bicalho (Midfielder): The central midfielder’s positional intelligence and ball retention are vital to Gurbanov’s system. He will be tasked with disrupting the rhythm of Chelsea’s midfield maestros.
Chelsea
- Marc Guiu (Forward): The young striker is highly regarded and has been in excellent recent form, scoring twice in his last three appearances. Given Maresca’s rotation, Guiu’s finishing and energy in the box could be decisive.
- Tosin Adarabioyo (Defender): Expected to lead the defensive line, the centre-back’s aerial dominance and composed distribution will be critical. He will need to organise the defence to stifle Qarabağ’s counter-attacks.
Prediction
Despite Qarabağ’s monumental strides in Europe this season and their excellent home record, the gap in technical quality and squad depth remains substantial. Chelsea, despite the long journey and anticipated squad rotation, possess a wealth of attacking talent capable of finding goals. While Qarabağ’s tactical discipline will make the match tighter than the 2017 encounters, the Blues’ need for a win to secure a top-eight position, combined with their attacking fluidity, should see them emerge victorious, ending their recent run of away defeats in the Champions League.
Score Prediction: Qarabağ FK 1-3 Chelsea
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This UEFA Champions League fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms.
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting at 5:00 PM GMT. The match can be streamed live via the Discovery+ app and website for subscribers.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions for the most accurate broadcast information.
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