Chelsea Overpower Barcelona as Estêvão Produces Breakout Champions League Display
Chelsea delivered a clear three goal victory over Barcelona in a Champions League meeting that tested the visitors from the opening minutes and never offered them a route back. The match settled into Chelsea’s control early, and once Barcelona went down to ten men, the contest tilted fully towards the hosts. Chelsea pressed high, forced turnovers and used their pace on the wings to stretch Barcelona’s defensive line. The reward came quickly, setting the tone for a long evening for the Spanish side, who struggled to maintain structure or push back against the steady pressure. Eighteen year old Estêvão Willian became the defining figure of the night. He scored one of Chelsea’s goals and produced a performance that displayed confidence, direct play and accuracy in tight areas. His numbers reflected his influence: forty eight touches, twenty four accurate passes, eight touches inside the Barcelona penalty box, two successful dribbles, two total shots and a perfect return on long balls. He also won three ground duels and created multiple chances that kept Barcelona’s back line on edge. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, speaking after the match, defended the decision to start the teenager. He explained that team selection is shaped by the match plan and that in a fixture he described as one of the club’s most difficult of the season, Estêvão fit the tactical approach. He noted that Pedro Neto remained an option for the wide role but said the strategy for the night called for Estêvão’s involvement. Chelsea added their third goal through Liam Delap in the second half, completing a result that left Barcelona outplayed and short of answers. With one man fewer, the visitors offered limited response and found themselves repeatedly forced back as Chelsea controlled possession and dictated transitions. The win strengthens Chelsea’s position in the group and puts renewed attention on Estêvão, whose performance suggested he is quickly becoming a key figure in Maresca’s attacking plans. The match leaves Barcelona facing a difficult review of both their discipline and defensive structure as the competition enters its next stage.
| 2025-11-26 07:27:44