Alejandro Garnacho came to Chelsea’s rescue as his second-half strike salvaged a 2-2 draw against Qarabag, sparing the Premier League giants from an embarrassing Champions League defeat.

Early promise, sudden collapse

Chelsea appeared on course for a comfortable evening when teenage sensation Estevão opened the scoring in the 16th minute, finishing off a flowing move that reflected early dominance from the visitors.

But the Azerbaijani champions refused to fold. Leandro Andrade levelled things up just 13 minutes later, capitalising on a defensive lapse to beat the Blues’ goalkeeper from close range.

The hosts then shocked the travelling fans again when Marko Jankovic converted from the penalty spot six minutes before the break, turning the tie on its head.

Garnacho restores pride

Chelsea regrouped after the interval and pressed for an equaliser, finally breaking through when Garnacho found the net midway through the second half to level the contest.

Despite late pressure, Enzo Maresca’s side failed to find a winner, leaving them with a solitary point and a reminder that there are no easy games in Europe’s elite competition.

The result leaves Chelsea’s Champions League campaign finely balanced, and underlines how far the Blues must go to re-establish their dominance on the continental stage.