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As it happenedended

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

Wednesday 22 November 2017 19:56 GMT
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Chelsea are coasting
Chelsea are coasting (Getty)

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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

Half-time - Qarabag 0-2 Chelsea

The referee draws the opening period to a close and Chelsea lead comfortably through goals from Eden Hazard and Willian.

In the day's other early game, CSKA Moscow lead Benfica 1-0 in Group A.

Liam Corless22 November 2017 17:47

46' - We are back underway in Baku!

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:01

51' - This second half is yet to really get going. Antonio Conte will probably give the game another 10 or 15 minutes before making substitutions with Saturday's huge game at Liverpool in mind. 

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:06

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:07

52' - That's a lovely move. Pedro times his run perfectly to get in behind the Qarabag defence and he is found by Cesc Fabregas. The Chelsea attacker's first touch is superb but Ibrahim Sehic gets out quickly and makes himself big to save the shot.

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:10

57' - Gary Cahill replaces Marcos Alonso for Chelsea.

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:14

62' - Very little to report on so far from this second half in Baku. That early red card for the Qarabag captain really killed this match as a contest, which is a real shame for the neutral as the Azerbaijani side had started the game well.

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:18

Dat face 

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:19

64' - Good save. Eden Hazard attempts to shape a shot into the far corner from the left side of the penalty area but Ibrahim Sehic is equal to it and palms the ball away.

That proves to be the Belgian's final involvement in the match as he is promptly replaced by Alvaro Morata.

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:22

68' - So close. Antonio Rudiger finds Alvaro Morata in bags of space inside the Qarabag penalty area but the Spaniard, with only the goalkeeper to beat, dithers on the ball before sliding a shot just wide of the far post.

That should've been Morata's 10th goal of the season.

Liam Corless22 November 2017 18:25

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