Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, is a happy hunting ground for Chelsea. Wednesday’s trip will evoke fond memories of beating Arsenal 4-1 in the 2019 Europa League final and a pair of Champions League wins over Qarabag the season prior.
Qarabag are not far behind in the standings, though, trailing Chelsea only on goal difference. They stunned Benfica 3-2 to open their own campaign – a result which directly led to the Portuguese side sacking manager Bruno Lage and hiring Jose Mourinho.
The 12-time champions of Azerbaijan have since managed a victory over Copenhagen and tasted defeat at the hands of Atletico Madrid. They come into this match on impressive form, though, with the Atletico match their only defeat in their last 11 outings.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Qarabag vs Chelsea is scheduled for a 5.45pm GMT kick-off on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.
The match will take place at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Qarabag got the better of Copenhagen in October
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Where to watch Qarabag vs Chelsea
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage starting at 5pm ahead of a 5.45pm kick-off.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Qarabag vs Chelsea team news
Dario Essugo (thigh) and Levi Colwill (ACL) remain long-term absentees.
Liam Delap will return to the squad after being suspended for Sunday’s derby win over Tottenham.
Liam Delap was suspended for Chelsea’s derby win over Tottenham
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As he did with last season’s Conference League away day in Kazakhstan, Maresca may look to rotate his squad against lesser opposition to spare some of his key players two long-haul flights. The match could provide an opportunity for fringe squad members to impress, with the likes of Marc Guiu, Tyrique George, and Reggie Walsh all in line to appear.
Qarabag have made it to this stage of the season with no major injuries, though striker Musa Qurbanly, goalless in two cameo appearances this season, is a doubt with a knock to the knee.
Qarabag vs Chelsea prediction
Chelsea have scored ten goals in their two meetings with Qarabag, and will be keen to celebrate Guy Fawkes night with some more fireworks in Baku.
The challenge for the Blues is to avoid underestimating their opposition. Qarabag are no slouches, as proven in earlier Champions League wins over Benfica and Copenhagen.
It could prove a banana skin for Chelsea, who have been far from consistent this season, but having been boosted by last weekend’s derby victory, a professional performance should be enough to see them through.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Chelsea and Qarabag were Champions League group-mates in the 2017-18 season. The Blues scored ten unanswered goals over the two matches.
Chelsea beat Qarabag twice in the 2017-18 Champions League group stage
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Qarabag vs Chelsea match odds
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
