Chelsea's European adventure encountered unexpected turbulence in Baku as Qarabag FK staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-2 draw, leaving manager Enzo Maresca with pressing tactical questions and deepening concerns over Romeo Lavia's fitness.
Champions League Reality Check
The Blues appeared destined for a comfortable victory after establishing an early lead, but the Azerbaijani champions demonstrated remarkable resilience to twice peg back the Premier League giants. The result serves as a stark reminder that European football demands both quality and concentration for the full ninety minutes.
Maresca's Tactical Dilemma
Enzo Maresca's Chelsea blueprint faced its sternest test yet, with the Italian's tactical approach coming under scrutiny after his team failed to maintain control despite their superior individual quality. The manner in which Chelsea surrendered their advantage has raised questions about the team's game management capabilities.
Key concerns emerging from the match:
- Defensive vulnerability during transition phases
- Inability to kill off games when in dominant positions
- Midfield control issues against organised opposition
Lavia's Worrying Setback
In what represents a significant blow to Chelsea's long-term planning, Romeo Lavia faces another extended period on the sidelines after suffering a fresh injury setback. The young midfielder, who has struggled for consistent fitness since his arrival, now confronts another rehabilitation process that could impact his development and Chelsea's midfield options.
What This Means for Chelsea's Campaign
While a point away in Europe is rarely disastrous, the context of this performance will concern the Stamford Bridge hierarchy. The match revealed:
- Vulnerabilities that better opponents will exploit
- Questions about Maresca's in-game management
- Growing concerns about squad depth in key positions
Chelsea now face a critical period where Maresca must address these issues quickly, with Premier League challenges mounting and the Champions League group stage offering little margin for error.
