Goals from Pedro (first goal of the season), Davide Zappacosta and Tiemoue Bakayoko’s (first for their new club) and Cesar Azpilicueta and Michy Batshuayi (first in the Champions League), plus an own-goal, made sure the Blues’ return to European competition was smooth.
With the group stage draw having served up tough and experienced opposition to come from Spain and Italy, three points intheir opener at home were imperative and from the moment Pedro scored very early on, that always looked the likely reward.
A spectacular goal from Zappacosta doubled the advantage on the half-hour with the remaining four goals coming in the second period, the first from Azpilicueta before substitute Bakayoko and Batshuayi, then the own-goal, added the shine to the accomplished performance inside the last 20 minutes.
Gurban Gurbanov’s visitors – becoming the first side from Azerbaijan to play in the main draw of Europe’s premier club competition – never threatened to spring a surprise and Thibaut Courtois will enjoy few easier outings this season.
This is a fourth straight win for Antonio Conte’s men in all competitions but three points here were the bare minimum.
They are now back in league action at home to rivals Arsenal on Sunday before tougher tests in this group against Atletico Madrid and Roma.