Chelsea thrash Barcelona 3-0 as Estevao shines in top-eight Champions League clash

Chelsea moved into the top eight of the Champions League with a commanding 3-0 victory over 10-man Barcelona, highlighted by a stunning second-half strike from 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Estevao.

In a much-anticipated showdown between two of the world’s brightest young talents, Chelsea’s rising star outshone his Spanish counterpart, Lamine Yamal. Estevao’s thunderous shot into the roof of the net, after slipping past goalkeeper Pau Cubarsi, gave Chelsea a comfortable lead and left Barcelona struggling to respond.

The first-half had already tilted in Chelsea’s favour when Jules Kounde inadvertently put the ball into his own net following a deflected Pedro Neto shot. Barcelona’s troubles compounded when captain Ronald Araujo was sent off just before the break for a second booking, leaving the Spanish champions with 10 men for the remainder of the match.

Marc Cucurella was named player of the match after a masterclass performance, effectively shutting down his Spain team-mate Yamal and helping Chelsea achieve a remarkable defensive record. This was the first time Barcelona had failed to score in 53 games, a testament to the Blues’ organisation and discipline.

Chelsea’s control never wavered, and substitute Liam Delap capped the win with a late third goal, finally confirmed after a VAR review overturned an offside decision. It was his first goal since the Club World Cup and marked the perfect finish to an impressive night for the London club.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca’s bold decision to start without a recognised striker, with Neto deployed as a false nine, paid off handsomely. The team’s fluid attacking style and defensive discipline saw them dominate one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs and climb to fifth in the Champions League standings.

After the game, Estevao described the night as “the most special moment” in his career, telling Amazon Prime: “I don’t really have any words to sum up how I am feeling right now. It really was the perfect night. I am just grateful to God for making everything happen for me. Onwards and upwards from here.”

Cucurella praised his young teammate, saying: “Estevao has a lot of personality and quality. He may have arrived in Europe recently, but he is catching up to Yamal quickly. He’s a special guy, and we have good people in the dressing room to help him improve.”

Chelsea now turn their attention to a crucial Premier League clash against leaders Arsenal on Sunday, with the victory over Barcelona sending a clear message about their ambitions this season.

Player of the match: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)