Chelseau’s young star Estevão delivered a sensational solo goal on Tuesday night, outshining fellow teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal as the Blues swept aside a 10-man Barcelona with a commanding 3–0 Champions League victory at Stamford Bridge.
The clash had been billed as a battle between two of football’s brightest 18-year-old talents, but it was Estevão who stole the spotlight. Ten minutes into the second half, he picked up the ball on the right, glided past two defenders, and smashed a rocket into the top corner—his 10th goal of the season for club and country, and a statement moment in his debut Chelsea campaign.
Already leading 1–0 and with Barça reduced to ten men, the goal left the visitors with an impossible task. Chelsea later sealed the win in the 73rd minute when Liam Delap tapped in from close range. Though initially flagged offside, VAR overturned the decision, confirming the goal.
Chelsea had been in control from the start. Enzo Fernández had two early goals disallowed—one for handball and another for offside—before the pressure finally told. A chaotic moment in Barcelona’s box ended with Jules Kounde accidentally turning the ball into his own net in the 27th minute.
Barcelona’s night got even worse when captain Ronald Araújo received a second yellow card just before halftime for a reckless tackle on Marc Cucurella, leaving the visitors with an uphill battle they never recovered from.
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While Chelsea sustained their intensity, Barcelona—five-time Champions League winners—offered almost nothing going forward. Stamford Bridge fans mocked the quiet Lamine Yamal, especially after Estevão’s brilliant goal, and loudly jeered when the youngster was subbed late in the match.
Back in the Champions League after two years away, Enzo Maresca’s men have now won three of their first five group games, giving them a strong chance of finishing in the top eight and securing automatic qualification to the round of 16. Their domestic form is also strong, sitting second in the Premier League as they prepare for Sunday’s clash with leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea are finding rhythm. Estevão is exploding. And Stamford Bridge is starting to believe again.
