Victor Moses, who is still recuperating from injury, was absent as Chelsea brushed aside their Azerbaijan opponents Qarabag 4-0 on Wednesday evening to qualify for the second round of  the UEFA Champions League.

It was the eighth game the Chelsea wing-back would miss as a double from Willian and further strikes from Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas made light work of their hosts.

Also missing from this one was talented Nigerian youngster, Tariq Uwakwe who is eligible to be registered by Chelsea on the B list . The midfielder was in Azerbaijan and played for the U19s in their UEFA Youth League clash against Qarabag U19s.

Eden Hazard rolled home from the spot to put the Blues ahead in Baku after Rashad Sadiqov who saw red was penalized for a tug on Willian in the 21st minute.

Willian would soon add the second on the 36th minute, pouncing on an Eden Hazard's backheel pass to beat Sehic in the Qarabag goal.

Defensive discipline would yet again cost the hosts dear with Maksim Medvedev conceding another spot kick for impeding the tricky Willian in the box, a penalty which Fabregas stepped up to put away on second attempt.

The Brazilian would eventually notch his brace with a superb strike that neatly found the back of the net from range on the 85th minute mark as the Premier League champions confirmed their place in the next round with a game to spare.

Victor Moses would now hope to return to contention when Chelsea travel to Anfield on Saturday to take on Liverpool.

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com