Chelsea returned to their winning groove in the Champions League with a commanding 3-0 triumph over 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. The London side opened the scoring after Jules Koundé mistakenly turned the ball into his own net, before young Brazilian sensation Estevão stole the spotlight with a sensational solo strike.
Rich James initiated the move on the right flank, slipping the ball to Estevão. The 18-year-old winger showed remarkable composure and strength as he dribbled past Pau Cubarsí and resisted a challenge from Alejandro Balde. He then fired a fierce right-footed shot into the net — a moment that electrified the home crowd.
As one Chelsea fan put it, “That goal will be replayed in west London for years.”
Chelsea dominated the entire first half, pinning Barcelona deep with relentless pressure and fluid attacking play. Enzo Maresca, watching from the touchline, witnessed what many described as the team’s most complete performance of the season.
Barcelona Collapses After Araujo’s Red Card
The visitors’ situation worsened when captain Ronald Araújo received two yellow cards within just 12 minutes, leaving Barcelona with 10 men shortly before halftime. His second booking, given for a late challenge on Marc Cucurella, shifted all momentum firmly in Chelsea’s favor.
Chelsea could have widened the margin earlier, but several goals were ruled out. Enzo Fernández had two attempts disallowed—first due to a handball by Wesley Fofana in the buildup, and later for offside from Estevão’s set-piece delivery. Another offside call denied André Santos.
Still, the hosts kept pushing. Fernández went close once more as his strike rattled the bar. Moments later, chaos in the box saw Marc Cucurella keep a loose ball alive before a deflection from Torres resulted in Koundé’s own goal.
Barcelona struggled to create meaningful chances. Ferran Torres forced Robert Sánchez into a save, but the Catalans rarely threatened otherwise. One club analyst summed it up: “Chelsea simply suffocated Barcelona.”
Dalep Seals the Win, Chelsea Rise in the Table
Estevão’s stunning finish in the 55th minute cemented Chelsea’s control. Substitute Liam Delap later added the third goal in the 73rd minute, marking his first since the Club World Cup.
With this crucial victory, Chelsea climbed to fifth in the standings with 10 points from five matches, including three wins and a draw. Barcelona, meanwhile, slipped to 15th place with just seven points and mounting pressure.
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