In the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League, Chelsea faced Azerbaijani side Qarabağ away from home. Argentine youngster Alejandro Garnacho came on as a substitute in the second half and scored his first Champions League goal for Chelsea in the 52nd minute, helping the team level the score at 2–2.
With this goal, Garnacho became the first player under the age of 22 to have scored in the Champions League for two different English clubs.
Conflict with the United Manager Sparked His Departure
During his time at Manchester United, Garnacho had already scored in the Champions League, showcasing his immense talent. However, in the 2024–25 Europa League final, he was only brought on in the 70th minute.
After the match, the young Argentine publicly expressed his frustration with manager Rúben Amorim’s tactical decisions.
The outburst led to growing tensions between the two, which eventually erupted during a training session late in the season. Amorim reportedly warned Garnacho to “fix his attitude,” and their relationship broke down completely.
Summer Move to Chelsea
As internal tensions continued to escalate, Manchester United decided to part ways with the winger during the 2025 summer transfer window.
Garnacho joined Chelsea for £40 million, signing a seven-year contract. The transfer generated widespread discussion in the English media, with many believing it would give the talented winger a fresh start and a chance to reignite his career.
Premier League Breakthrough and Return to Form
Garnacho’s early performances at Chelsea were underwhelming, as he failed to record a goal or assist in his first six appearances. However, signs of improvement soon emerged.
On October 25, in Matchweek 9 of the Premier League, Garnacho finally found the net against Sunderland. Just four minutes into the game, he latched onto a through pass from Neto, drove into the box, and finished with a precise low shot to give Chelsea a 1–0 lead.
Throughout the match, he registered three shots, two of which were on target, earning a high post-match rating of 7.7. His impressive display in that game, followed by his historic goal in the Champions League, marked a clear turning point in his form.
Now, with back-to-back goals in both the Premier League and the Champions League, Garnacho is gradually winning the trust of both his manager and fans.
If he continues to perform at this level, he could become a key figure in Chelsea’s attacking lineup for years to come.
