UCL: Garnacho rescues Chelsea in 2-2 draw with Qarabag
Alejandro Garnacho came to Chelsea’s rescue with a crucial second-half goal, securing a 2-2 draw against Qarabag and preventing an embarrassing defeat for the Premier League giants in the Champions League.
Early dominance by Chelsea
Teenage sensation Estevão opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing a well-coordinated move that reflected Chelsea’s early control of the match.
Qarabag's comeback
- Leandro Andrade equalised 13 minutes later by capitalizing on a defensive mistake, finishing from close range.
- Marko Jankovic then gave Qarabag the lead six minutes before halftime, converting a penalty and turning the match in their favor.
Chelsea's response
After halftime, Chelsea intensified their attack and eventually broke through when Garnacho scored midway through the second half, leveling the score once again.
Match conclusion
Despite Chelsea’s late pressure, Enzo Maresca’s Qarabag could not secure a winner. The draw leaves Qarabag with only one point and highlights the difficulty of Champions League matches.
“There are no easy games in Europe’s elite competition,” the result underlines the challenge ahead for Chelsea in re-establishing their continental dominance.
The 2-2 result leaves Chelsea’s Champions League campaign delicately poised, showing the Blues still have much work to regain their top position in Europe.
Author's summary: Alejandro Garnacho’s late goal saved Chelsea from defeat, emphasizing the intense competition in Champions League and the challenges the club faces to regain European supremacy.