A cool evening in Baku sets the stage for a key UEFA Champions League fixture as Qarabağ FK host Chelsea FC at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Kick-off is set for 17:45 GMT, with a packed crowd expected to witness one of Azerbaijan’s biggest football nights in years. The atmosphere in the capital is electric as local fans prepare to welcome a Premier League giant, while Chelsea arrive knowing three points would be vital for maintaining control of their group standings halfway through the campaign.
Squad news has been a major talking point in the build-up. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will be without several key players, including Levi Colwill, who remains sidelined with a serious knee injury, and Cole Palmer, who is recovering from a groin strain. Winger Pedro Neto is also being rested after feeling discomfort in training, and Benoît Badiashile will stay in London due to a muscle issue. For Qarabağ, coach Gurban Gurbanov has fewer concerns; Jonathan Montiel is back from a minor knock but is expected to start on the bench, while the rest of the squad is fit and ready for what could be their toughest European test of the season.
Tactically, Qarabağ are expected to maintain their disciplined 4-2-3-1 formation, sitting deep to deny Chelsea space and launching quick counterattacks through their wingers. Gurbanov has spent the week emphasizing defensive compactness and structured pressing, hoping to frustrate Chelsea’s possession-based rhythm. On the other side, Maresca’s Chelsea are likely to control the ball with a 4-3-3 setup, pushing full-backs high and looking to create overloads in midfield. The Italian coach has been urging his team to stay patient in build-up play and exploit gaps when Qarabağ step out of shape. The contrast in styles promises a slow-burning tactical battle rather than a frantic shootout.
In the press, British outlets have been cautiously optimistic about Chelsea’s chances, describing this trip as “tricky but winnable” given the distance and conditions in Baku. Several Azerbaijani sports publications have focused on Qarabağ’s home resilience, noting that they rarely lose in European competition on their turf. Pundits have pointed out that Chelsea’s squad rotation and travel fatigue could play a factor, particularly if they fail to break the deadlock early. Meanwhile, local journalists have hailed Qarabağ’s consistency and praised Gurbanov’s ability to motivate his side against much bigger clubs, adding a sense of belief among home supporters.
Analysts in pre-match studio discussions have taken a balanced view, predicting that Chelsea will dominate possession but may struggle to find clear openings against Qarabağ’s defensive setup. Many believe the first 20 minutes will set the tone — an early Chelsea goal could open the game, while a goalless first half would play perfectly into Qarabağ’s plans. Tactical experts have also highlighted the midfield duel as decisive, with Chelsea’s control-oriented playmaker Enzo Fernández expected to dictate tempo if given time. Despite Chelsea’s technical superiority, most analysts agree that Qarabağ’s discipline and home support could make this one a tight, cagey contest rather than a comfortable victory for the visitors.
Watch and Download Qarabağ vs Chelsea full match replay and highlights, At Wednesday, November 05, 2025. The match played at Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika stadionu, in Champions League, UEFA.
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