Chelsea secured a dominant 3-0 victory over 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, with teenage Brazilian midfielder Estevao starring with a breathtaking solo goal.
Estevao, 18, scored 10 minutes after half-time, receiving the ball on the right, beating two defenders, and lashing it into the top corner of the net.
The goal highlighted the growing talent of Chelsea’s prodigy, who continues to make an immediate impact in his first season with the club.
The match had already tilted in Chelsea’s favour after an own goal by Jules Kounde in the 27th minute. Barcelona’s hopes were further dented when captain Ronald Araujo received a second yellow card just before half-time, leaving the visitors with ten men.
Chelsea wrapped up the win in the 73rd minute when substitute Liam Delap side-footed home from close range, confirming the 3-0 scoreline after a VAR review overturned an initial offside call.
The Stamford Bridge crowd also made their presence felt, taunting Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who struggled to make an impact and was jeered when substituted late in the game.
Chelsea, returning to the Champions League after a two-year absence, have now won three of their first five group matches, keeping alive their hopes of finishing in the top eight and advancing to the knockout stages.
The team is also building momentum in the Premier League, sitting second in the table ahead of Sunday’s clash against league leaders Arsenal.
AFP
