Chelsea are in Azerbaijan to face Qarabag today, Wednesday, November 5, 2025, in a Champions League match at Azersun Arena, Baku. The game kicks off at 5.45pm GMT.
Chelsea enters the match as strong favorites. Despite an initial defeat to Bayern Munich, they have bounced back with consecutive wins and aim to build momentum in Europe. Chelsea have a good record in the Champions League, having progressed from each of their last eight appearances in the knockout stage. They've only lost three of their past 26 matches in the Champions League group stage. They are also seeking their fifth-straight away win in all competitions.
Qarabag, however, should not be underestimated. They have already defeated Benfica and Copenhagen in the competition this season. In their domestic league, Qarabag beat Imisli 2-0 on Friday and are currently second in the Azerbaijan Premier League. Qarabag became the first Azerbaijani side to win a match in the Champions League proper when they came from two goals down to defeat Benfica 3-2 in Lisbon. Including qualifying, Qarabag have won seven of their nine Champions League matches this season.
The match will be officiated by referee Sebastian Gishamer, with Manuel Schuettengruber as the VAR.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 2, with coverage beginning at 5pm GMT. A live stream will also be available on discovery+. In the United States, viewers can watch on Paramount+, TUDN, Univision and ViX.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that he will rotate the side after the long trip to Baku. Liam Delap was suspended for Chelsea's derby win over Tottenham. The Chelsea XI is expected to include Jorgensen; Gusto, Tosin, Acheampong, Cucurella; Santos, Lavia; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; and Delap. Qarabag's likely XI features Kochalski; Silva, Mustafazada, Medina, Cafarquliyev; Bicalho, Borges; Duran, Andrade, Zoubir; and Akhundzade.
Chelsea and Qarabag have met twice before, in the 2017-18 Champions League group stage, with Chelsea winning both matches and scoring ten goals without reply. Baku also holds good memories for Chelsea, who beat Arsenal 4-1 in the 2019 Europa League final there.
