Chelsea Embark on 5,000-Mile Journey for Champions League Clash
Chelsea is preparing for yet another challenging journey as they embark on a 5,000-mile round trip to Azerbaijan to confront Qarabağ in the UEFA Champions League. The match is scheduled for Wednesday evening at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku.
Chelsea’s Current European Campaign
The match will kick off at 5:45 p.m. GMT, which corresponds to 12:45 p.m. ET. For local fans in Baku, the start time is 9:45 p.m. Despite Chelsea’s stature, the attendance of traveling fans may be limited, highlighting the dedication of those who make the journey.
Qarabağ’s Strong Performance
Qarabağ has shown resilience in their European campaign. They have progressed through earlier rounds by defeating teams like Shelbourne from Ireland, North Macedonia’s Shkëndija, and Hungary’s Ferencváros. Notably, they celebrated a remarkable 3–2 victory over Benfica, marking their first Champions League win outside of qualifying rounds.
- Qarabağ’s recent European matches include a victory over Copenhagen.
- They suffered a loss against Athletic Club in their latest outing.
- Upcoming challenges include matches against Napoli and Liverpool.
Baku: A City of Significance for Chelsea
Baku is recognized as the lowest-lying national capital globally, resting 28 meters below sea level. This city is familiar to Chelsea fans, as the Blues previously played there during the 2017-18 Champions League group stage, winning 4-0 against Qarabağ.
In 2019, Baku hosted the Europa League final, where Chelsea clinched the title against Arsenal, securing a 4-1 victory under manager Maurizio Sarri. In contrast, Chelsea’s longer journeys in UEFA competitions included a strenuous 7,000-mile round trip to Almaty, Kazakhstan, last season.
Managerial Strategy Ahead of the Match
Head coach Enzo Maresca is expected to opt for a rotated team for this match, balancing the squad’s energy ahead of their Premier League encounter against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He emphasized the need for rotation due to the demanding travel schedule.
With approximately 25% of Azerbaijan’s population residing in Baku, Chelsea will want to leverage their experience in UEFA matches to secure a crucial victory against Qarabağ. The team not only aims for points but also for an impressive win to boost their standings in the Champions League.
