Conte’s Blues find it too easy against Azerbaijan champions

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Chelsea marked their Champions League return with a 6-0 Group C rout of Azerbaijan’s Qarabag, but sterner tests await.

Goals from Pedro, Davide Zappacosta, Cesar Azpilicueta, substitute Tiemoue Bakayoko and a Michy Batshuayi double ensured a comfortable return to Europe’s elite after last season’s first absence since 2003-04.

Chelsea next play Atletico Madrid with the saga surrounding Diego Costa rumbling on, before home and away clashes with Roma.

It is those games which will determine the Blues progress or otherwise.

Zappacosta’s 30th-minute strike was the highlight last night at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian, signed on deadline day from Torino and making his Champions League debut, struck from wide on the right.

It appeared to be an attempted cross which, for him and Chelsea, was wonderfully miscued.

“Zappacosta – he scores when he wants” sang the Chelsea faithful as the right wing-back moved halfway towards Costa’s Champions League tally for Chelsea.

Costa has two goals in 15 appearances in the competition for the Blues and is now almost forgotten.

In the other group game Roma were held to a 0-0 home draw by Atletico Madrid.