Chelsea subsidise fans on 6,000-mile round trip to see Champions League clash with Azerbaijan side Qarabag

CHELSEA are "subsidising" their fans' travel for an historic 6,000-mile round trip to play Azerbaijan minnows Qarabag in a Champions League group game.

The Blues will expect to land a double over the rank outsiders, with Atletico Madrid and Roma expected to offer far stiffer opposition in a tough group.

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Chelsea host Qarabag in their Euro opener on September 12 then face that juge journey for the return on November 22.

The three-time Azerbaijan champions became the first team in their far-eastern European nation to qualify for the Champions League group stages when they beat FC Copenhagen in a play-off.

They had already become only the second Azerbaijan team ever to reach the group phase  of ANY European competition - when then they reached that stage in the Europa League three years running, from 2014 to 2016.

Chelsea announced the cut-price deal on their website today - although they say the scheme needs a minimum number of fans to take it up.

The club statement said Chelsea are "subsidising an official trip to Azerbaijan for supporters wishing to attend our away game at Qarabag.

"With the return journey to the far east of the continent totalling almost 6000 miles, the club have lowered the cost of official Thomas Cook Sport packages to help ease supporters’ financial burden.

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"Packages include a one-night stay in Baku and are on sale now to season ticket holders and members, in line with the club’s ticketing policy.

"Prices start at £359 per person and include travel, transfers and one night’s accommodation in a four-star hotel.

"Match ticket prices are currently unknown and the cost will be added to your booking when confirmed..."

Chelsea will expect £35million deadline-day buy Danny Drinkwater to be fully fit by the time of their lengthy trip.

And the Blues' new £70m striker Alvaro Morata, who has already bagged two goals, should have fully adjusted to life in England by then.

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