Estevao scored a superb second-half goal as Chelsea secured a commanding 3-0 win over 10-man Barcelona, surpassing Lamine Yamal, to move into the top eight of the Champions League.
It was the first meeting between two of the best 18-year-olds in world football, and it was Chelsea’s Brazilian sensation who stole the show. It was a disappointing night for Yamal, who beat Pau Kvarsi to put a shot on goal for his team’s second goal.
Player of the Match Marc Cucurella did the job for his Spanish team-mates and contained Barcelona’s biggest threat with perhaps his best performance in a blue shirt, making Chelsea the first team to stop the Spanish champions from scoring in 53 games.
Jules Kounde’s unlucky own goal put Chelsea in the lead in the first half after Pedro Neto’s shot rebounded, but Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo was sent off for a second booking just before half-time, making it a one-sided game.
Substitute Liam Delap added Chelsea’s third goal, their first since the Club World Cup, after a VAR review overturned his ruling for offside. This was the first advantage for Chelsea, who had conceded three points beforehand.
Liam Delap came on as a substitute and scored his first goal since the Club World Cup.
Manager Enzo Maresca made the bold decision to start without a recognized striker, with Neto playing as a false nine in the absence of Joao Pedro, and it paid off admirably as Chelsea defeated the Spanish champions to move into fifth place in the Champions League standings.
The match perfectly prepares Chelsea for Sunday’s big showdown with Premier League leaders Arsenal, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and underlines their credentials as contenders for this season’s major honors.
Maresca: Estebao and Yamal, the next Messi and Ronaldo
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Enzo Maresca highlighted Estevao’s impressive performance in Chelsea’s thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca told BeIN Sports about Estevao:
“The goal was very good. Like Rafinha said, probably in the next 10 or 15 years, Estevao and Lamine Yamal will probably both become the next Messi and Ronaldo.”
“But they’re both only 18 years old. They need to enjoy every day and try to improve. That’s the most important thing for them.”
Estevao: the most special moment in my career
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Steve Sidwell has described Chelsea’s Champions League victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge as sensational.
Chelsea’s Estevao now on Amazon Prime:
“I don’t have words to describe how I feel right now. It was truly a perfect night. I just thank God for making it all happen for me. It’s only going to keep going upwards from here.”
“For me (the goal) everything happened very quickly. It happened without me even realizing it. I just found the space and nudged through and scored the goal. It was a very special moment in my career and I hope to score many more goals.”
“Yes, it was definitely the most special moment of my career. I hope to continue to score more and more points for many years to come.”
Cucurella: Estevao quickly catches up to Yamal.
Chelsea Player of the Match Marc Cucurella is now on Amazon Prime:
“The main difference is that Estebao came to Europe now probably a few years ago and is back in Lamine (Yamal). But he showed today that he has a lot of character and has good qualities.”
Asked if Estevao is quickly catching up to Yamal, he said: “Yes, he is a special guy. We have good people in the dressing room so I hope we can help him.”
Regarding his performance, he said: “I’m very proud.[My journey so far]hasn’t been easy. There are always ups and downs in a football career. The most important thing is consistency. Always trying to improve and working hard.”
“After these moments, everything always makes sense. We sacrifice a lot. When you’re young, you have to live a more mature life. You can do all the things that people are doing.”
“But in these moments, after the performance, I think it all makes sense.”
