Qarabag 0-4 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points

#2 Qarabag bow out with a semblance of pride

If not for the red card, Qarabag would've pushed Chelsea to their limits

Qarabag made history earlier this year when they became the first side from Azerbaijan to even qualify for Europe's premier club competition. Having got a whiff of the same in Champions League's less-glamorous sister the Europa League last season, Gurban Gurbanov's side went a step further this time around, but ran out of luck during the draws as they drawn alongside some of the continent's biggies such as Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and AS Roma.

The writing was on the wall ever since. Qarabag were always going to finish at the foot of the table unless they pulled off a Costa Rica of FIFA 2014. So whilst that didn't happen and they did bow out as expected, the club from Baku still wouldn't be too disappointed.

Qarabag made their intentions clear by holding the Rojiblancos to two stunning stalemates, whilst also making the Romans walk the extra mile at the Azersun Arena. The 6-0 thrashing by Chelsea could be excused given they were only stepping into uncharted waters, but they showed flashes of promise today too during the initial proceedings.

Had it been an 11-on-11 contest, the hosts would've surely given Chelsea a run for their money. But nonetheless, they can bow out with their heads held high.