Qarabag vs Chelsea as it happened: Eden Hazard, Willian and Cesc Fabregas run riot in Azerbaijan
Relive the action from the Champions League clash in Baku
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea won 4-0 against Qarabag in the Champions League to secure a place in the last-16 stage.
A brace from Willian as well as goals from Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas saw Chelsea overcome the champions of Azerbaijan, who were reduced to 10-men early on.
Chelsea have one game remaining, against Atletico Madrid, although need Roma to drop points if they are to snatch first-place in Group C.
Relive the action below.
Match preview:
This week Gary Cahill said he hoped Chelsea's defeat to Roma in the last round of games would spark them into life.
“After that there was a feeling that we needed to pull our finger out in terms of the performance and everything,” admitted Cahill.
“The way we lost was inacceptable for us. When you look in the mirror that performance was unacceptable.
“What’s good is we saw the reaction against Manchester United in a game that is a massive game, a massive fixture and a pressured game.
“We’re building some momentum in the league and now we go back to the Champions League, which is important.
“We’ve had two difficult games against Roma but we started really well so it’s in our hands now and we know we need a win. We should go full of confidence.”
What times does it start?
Qarabag vs Chelsea kicks off at 17:00
Where can I watch it?
The game is live on BT Sport 2.
It’s a big game for…
Eden Hazard. The winger has hit form and was sensational against West Brom on the weekend, but can he deliver when Chelsea desperately need three points in Europe?
Form guide…
Qarabag: DLWDWW
Chelsea: WWWLWW
Penalty to Chelsea and a red card for Qarabag
19' - The referee points to the spot as Willian is fouled in the box by Qarabag's Rashad Sadygov - and the home side's skipper is shown a straight red card for his troubles.
GOAL! Qarabag 0-1 Chelsea (Hazard, pen)
21' - As cool as you like! Eden Hazard sends Ibrahim Sehic the wrong way to give Chelsea the lead.
26' - You have to think that this match will be relatively straightforward for Chelsea from here. It could've been so different had Michel found the back of the net just five minutes before his skipper was shown a straight red card for that foul on Willian.
30' - Cesar Azpilicueta delivers a cross in towards Eden Hazard from the inside-right position but the Belgian, who gets up well, puts his header straight at the Qarabag goalkeeper.
34' - Cesc Fabregas' whipped corner is met on the penalty spot by David Luiz but the Brazilian defender puts his header well wide. Chelsea, as you'd expect, are in complete control here.
GOAL! Qarabag 0-2 Chelsea (Willian)
36' - That is sensational. Willian plays an exquisite one-two with Eden Hazard on the edge of the Qarabag penalty area before slotting a first-time shot into the bottom corner. Game over.
41' - Pedro drives through the heart of the Qarabag defence, keeping his footing despite being brutally hacked at on a couple of occasions. He stumbles all the way to goal before seeing his shot saved from close range. The referee, however, pulls play back for one of the fouls on the Spaniard and Willian takes the resultant free-kick, putting it just wide.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments