Chelsea announced their return to the UEFA Champions League, by hammering Azerbaijan club Qarabag 6-0 at the Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
The Blues were off to a flier at home, with Spanish forward Pedro finding the back of the net, just five minutes after the kick-off, with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Summer signing Davide Zappacosta then doubled their advantage with a stunning strike from an improbable angle in the 30th miunte.
Defender Cesar Azpilicueta made it 3-0, heading in from Cesc Fabregas’ free-kick, before substitute Tiemoue Bakayoko scored his first goal for Chelsea, via a deflection from a Qarabag player. Michy Batshuayi piled on the misery for the Azerbaijan club with the fifth and sixth goals of the day for the English champions in quick succession.
Here’s how the Chelsea players fared in the game;
Chelsea Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois – 6/10
Had nothing to do in the goal, a spectator for the entirety of the game.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 8/10
Has become a modicum of consistency in the backline for Chelsea. Scored a brilliant header to make it three in the second half.
Andreas Christensen – 7.5/10
A solid and composed display from the youngster. Swept up anything that came his way, didn’t put a foot wrong.
Gary Cahill – 6.5/10
Booked within twenty minutes of his return, for a poor challenge. Asked a few questions by Henrique at times, but not tested enough.
Davide Zappacosta – 9/10
Enjoyed his full debut with a goal and a brilliant one at that. Got the assist for the sixth goal, after winning the ball back in the final third and firing in a low cross. Excellent display!
N’Golo Kante – 7/10
Not a lot to do defensively, but went about his business as usual, until being withdrawn with a game against Arsenal coming up.
Cesc Fabregas – 7/10
Controlled the game well, more so in the second period. Great cross for the third goal.
Marcos Alonso – 7/10
Tested the keeper early in the game. Backed himself to have a go at goal at every possible opportunity. Little work defensively.
Willian – 8/10
Found Pedro for the opening goal, then had a shot saved. Struck the crossbar in the second period. Was one of Chelsea’s best players on the park and deserved a goal for his brilliant display.
Michy Batshuayi – 7/10
Had a shot saved in the fifth minute. Frustrated after that, but did find the back of the net in the second period twice in quick succession. Credit to him for taking his chances despite the struggles.
Pedro – 7/10
Opened the scoring early on with a beautiful strike from outside the box. Did not have a great say in the proceedings thereafter though.
Substitutes
Eden Hazard – 7/10
Replaced Pedro at the hour mark. Lively presence, played a role in the fourth goal.
Tiemoue Bakayoko – 8/10
Came on for Kante and made immediate impact, scoring his first goal for the club to make it 4-0 and then assisting Batshuayi for the fifth.
Antonio Rudiger – NA
Replaced Christensen for the final 15 times.