Football fans are set for an exciting night on Wednesday as Chelsea travel to the capital of Azerbaijan to face Qarabag in the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 group stage. The match will take place at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium in Baku, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45 PM local time (8:45 PM Cairo). This fixture holds significant importance for both sides, particularly for Chelsea, who are looking to secure their third consecutive win in Europe and strengthen their position among the top contenders.
⚽ Chelsea’s European Revival Under Enzo Maresca
After a disappointing opening defeat to Bayern Munich, Chelsea have bounced back strongly under their new manager Enzo Maresca. The Italian tactician has managed to restore confidence and tactical discipline within the squad, leading the Blues to back-to-back victories against Benfica (2-0) and Ajax (5-1) at Stamford Bridge. These results have reignited Chelsea’s Champions League ambitions and placed them among the most consistent sides in the group stage.
Maresca has implemented a more structured style of play, emphasizing controlled possession and quick transitions — a system that has perfectly suited Chelsea’s attacking trio of Raheem Sterling, Cole Palmer, and Nicolas Jackson. The midfield, anchored by Enzo Fernández, has also been pivotal in dictating the tempo of matches.
🏟 Qarabag: The Azerbaijani Underdogs with Nothing to Lose
For Qarabag, the home advantage could be their strongest weapon. The Azerbaijani champions have built a reputation for their resilience, especially at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium, where passionate fans create an intimidating atmosphere. Despite sitting at the bottom of the group, Qarabag are determined to make a statement against one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Their defensive organization and counterattacking strategy, led by coach Gurban Gurbanov, will be crucial. Qarabag have talented players like Kady Borges and Abdellah Zoubir, capable of surprising opponents on the break.
🔍 Tactical Outlook and Key Battles
Chelsea will likely dominate possession, pressing high and attempting to break Qarabag’s compact defense. The key battle will take place on the wings, where Reece James and Ben Chilwell are expected to provide width and crosses into the box.
Meanwhile, Qarabag will focus on quick transitions and set-pieces, looking to exploit Chelsea’s occasional defensive lapses. If they manage to keep it tight in the first half, pressure could mount on the English side.
🕐 Prediction and Expectations
With the form Chelsea are in, it’s hard to bet against them securing all three points. However, Qarabag’s fighting spirit could make the match more competitive than expected.
Prediction: Qarabag 1 – 3 Chelsea.