In a thrilling Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, Chelsea delivered a commanding 3-0 victory against a 10-man Barcelona, with teenage sensation Estevao stealing the spotlight. The match, billed as a showdown between two 18-year-old prodigies—Estevao and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal—lived up to its hype, as Chelsea’s dominance was evident from the outset.
Estevao’s moment of brilliance came in the 55th minute when he embarked on a mesmerizing solo run, evading two defenders before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner of Joan Garcia’s net. This marked his 10th goal of the season for both club and country, solidifying his rising star status. Reflecting on his achievement, Estevao described it as the pinnacle of his career, expressing gratitude for the support of his family and fans.
Chelsea’s relentless pressure paid off early when a defensive error by Barcelona’s Jules Kounde resulted in an own goal in the 27th minute. The situation worsened for Barcelona just before halftime as captain Ronald Araujo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Substitute Liam Delap sealed the victory in the 73rd minute with a clinical finish, leaving Barcelona with no chance of a comeback.
The match showcased Chelsea’s superiority, with Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto coming close to adding to the scoreline. Barcelona, despite their storied history in the competition, appeared lackluster and struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Chelsea’s fans reveled in the triumph, taunting Yamal and celebrating their team’s resurgence in the Champions League after a two-year absence.
With three wins in their first five Champions League matches, Chelsea are well-positioned to secure a top-eight finish, which would guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16. The club’s momentum extends to the Premier League, where they sit second ahead of a crucial showdown with league leaders Arsenal this Sunday.