Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona: Estevao Outshines Lamine Yamal as Blues Hammer Blaugrana
Chelsea dominate 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, with teenage winger Estevao scoring a sensational solo goal.
- Chelsea beat 10-man Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, with goals from an own goal, Estevao, and Liam Delap
- Teenager Estevao outshone Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, scoring a stunning solo goal and earning a standing ovation
- The win lifts Chelsea into the top eight of the Champions League group stage, avoiding a February play-off if they maintain position
Chelsea winger Estevao Willian outshone fellow teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal in a dazzling 3-0 Champions League victory over 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.
The 18-year-old Brazil international scored a sensational solo goal shortly after Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo was sent off, giving Chelsea a commanding 2-0 lead. Chelsea had opened the scoring through an own goal by Jules Kounde, and substitute Liam Delap added a third, ending an 11-game goal drought.
Estevao’s standout moment came when he glided past Pau Cubarsi, shrugged off Alejandro Balde, and fired past goalkeeper Joan Garcia, earning a standing ovation before being substituted late in the match. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Yamal was taken off in the 80th minute to jeers from the home crowd.
Chelsea’s victory, achieved despite the absence of star forward Cole Palmer due to injury, lifted them into the top eight of the 36-team league phase, helping them avoid a February play-off if they maintain their position. The win also continues a strong run of form, with five wins and a draw since their last defeat to Sunderland.
Manager Enzo Maresca praised his side’s performance, noting a quiet confidence among the squad. Key performers included Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez in midfield, and Marc Cucurella among the best left-backs in the world. Estevao has already scored five goals this season, filling the void left by Palmer.
Barcelona, missing star midfielder Pedri and with winger Raphinha only fit enough for a substitute role, struggled under Chelsea’s high press. Manager Hansi Flick downplayed the defeat, citing unusual mistakes and absences, and emphasized focusing on the remaining fixtures, including La Liga’s title race against Real Madrid.
Chelsea now look poised to challenge Arsenal at Stamford Bridge this weekend in a crucial Premier League clash, while Barcelona must secure wins in their remaining Champions League matches to avoid extra play-offs.
