Three things we learned from Chelsea draw as Estevao provides cause for optimism as injury curse strikes again | OneFootball

The young Brazilian dazzled as the Blues struggled against Qarabag

By avoiding defeat, Chelsea now have seven points from their first four Champions League matches, and that sort of form should see them through to the play-off round. But if they want to finish in one of the eight automatic knockout-round berths, they must up the ante in the weeks and months ahead.

More Estevao Willian brilliance

The one Chelsea player who delivered a performance to truly be proud of was also the youngest on the pitch, their 18-year-old teen sensation Estevao.

Defying his age yet again, the Brazil international took risks and played with an unpredictability all evening in Baku, scoring the opening goal of the game by collecting from compatriot Andrey Santos, cutting onto his left and, while falling to the turf, firing low into the near corner.

On the scoresheet: Estevao

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Estevao’s first Champions League goal came in the 5-1 home win over Ajax last time out, and by notching again at the Tofiq Bahramov Stadium he became the only South American player to score in consecutive appearances in the competition while aged 18 or younger. He is now Chelsea’s top scorer this season, leading the way.

In a frantic final 20 minutes, Estevao changed his game up, not always cutting in off the right but sometimes tearing away to the by-line to cross. One sublime piece of skill saw him receive the ball out wide, allow it to run through his legs, and then collect it the other side, his marker suitably bamboozled.

Learning curve for Jorrel Hato

This was a difficult night for Jorrel Hato.

The 19-year-old was Chelsea’s left centre-back and was targeted by Qarabag, whose counter-attacking pace caused the Blues a lot of problems, and particularly Hato.

Hato could not keep up with Leonardo Andrade’s lung-busting run and was left for dead, and from the same attack, having first hit the post, Qarabag levelled.

Lots to learn: Jorrel Hato

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Just minutes later, the Dutchman lost the ball by dawdling near his goal and was punished as a cross into the box struck his arm and a penalty was given. Mark Jankovic scored and the hosts led.

While his second-half performance was not as nightmarish, it scarcely could have been. This was an evening from which the teenager will have learnt a lot. Make a mistake in the Champions League and, more often than not, it won’t go unpunished.

Romeo Lavia injuries woes won't go away

Perhaps the biggest blow of all on the night was the potential injury for Romeo Lavia, who went down in the fifth minute and was replaced by Moises Caicedo in the eighth.

It was a bitter blow for Lavia, who, on his day, is a fantastic central midfielder, but for whom fitness has been a real issue in recent seasons. He missed all of 286 days of action in the 2023-24 season, 226 days last term.

Chances in the team have not been too regular this season, either, as he is carefully managed by Chelsea’s medical staff.

Back on the sidelines: Romeo Lavia completed just five minutes before being replaced

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They may well have a whole new issue to deal with now and potentially the 21-year-old could be set for another spell out. He threw a water bottle in anger as he made his way for treatment.

Also frustrating for Maresca was that he therefore had to bring on Moises Caicedo, who might well otherwise have been given a proper and well-deserved rest. Instead, he had to come on in midfield.