Chelsea roared back into Champions League contention with a commanding 3-0 victory over a depleted Barcelona side at Stamford Bridge, highlighted by a sensational performance from 18-year-old Brazilian winger Estêvão.
The teenager’s brilliance was on full display as he scored a stunning individual goal, adding to an earlier own goal by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde.
Ten minutes into the second half, Estêvão “drove at a defence already weakened by the sending off of captain Ronald Araújo and produced a moment that will be remembered in west London for years to come.”
The build-up to the goal began when Reece James flicked the ball into Estêvão’s path on the right.
The young winger then dazzled, slipping past Pau Cubarsí and gliding across Alejandro Balde before rifling a rising, unstoppable finish high into the net.
Chelsea started aggressively, dominating possession and pressing Barcelona intensely in a pulsating first half.
The five-time European champions struggled to find fluency in attack and lacked the defensive bite to counter Chelsea’s incisive play.
Midfield duels were fiercely contested, with Chelsea often emerging in control and quickly transitioning into attack.
Manager Enzo Maresca described the performance as “the best 90 minutes from his rapidly improving team in his 18 months in charge.”
Liam Delap capped the win by scoring his first goal since the Club World Cup, following a precise cross from Enzo Fernández.
The result puts Chelsea in a strong position to secure direct qualification to the Champions League last 16 with victories in their remaining two group fixtures.
Chelsea’s early dominance was evident. Enzo Fernández had an opening strike ruled out for handball by Wesley Fofana, and Ferran Torres squandered a chance after a midfield error.
Estêvão’s free-kick nearly resulted in a goal, only to be disallowed for offside, before Pedro Neto’s effort deflected in via Kounde amid a scramble in the box.
Barcelona’s challenges worsened when captain Araújo received a second yellow card for a foul on Cucurella, leaving the visitors to battle with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Despite having further goals disallowed, Chelsea maintained relentless intensity.
Estêvão’s individual brilliance remained the standout moment.
He “embarrassed Balde and Cubarsi with audacious skill before striking the net with venom,” leaving fans and pundits in awe.
Delap’s late finish ensured a resounding 3-0 scoreline, sealing Chelsea’s dominant display.
With this emphatic win, Chelsea have reasserted themselves in the group, sending a strong signal ahead of the knockout stages.
