“YOU’RE just a s*** Estevao”.
That’s what was being chanted at Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal as Chelsea‘s Brazilian sensation came out on top in the battle of the Lionel Messi AI regens at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues had the ball in the back of the net SIX times against the Spaniards, but Enzo Fernandez was denied two.
It took Jules Kounde turning the ball into his own net for Chelsea to actually go one up.
A red card for Ronald Araujo made things easier for the Blues, and put Maresca’s side in the driving seat for the second half.
In the second half, it was the wizardry of Estevao that stole the show, with a sublime dribble leading to a powerful strike into the roof of the net, doubling Chelsea’s lead.
Liam Delap added Chelsea’s third with his first Champions League goal to wrap up all three points for the Blues.
Here’s how SunSport Chelsea reporter Lloyd Canfield rated the players…
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 7
Sanchez continued to grow into the No1 the Blues need him to be if they’re going to compete on all fronts.
Excellent at coming for crosses, composed with the ball at his feet, and made saves when needed.
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Although he was perhaps let off by Ferran Torres‘ awful finishing after a few minutes…
MALO GUSTO – 8
Malo Gusto has a habit of turning up on the big occasions for Chelsea, kind of like a French right-back version of Didier Drogba, I suppose.
Sublime against PSG, then against Liverpool, and tonight again.
Extremely strong in the challenge, his attacking endeavours open up options for the other players in Chelsea’s system, and he is the tactical Swiss Army knife in Enzo Maresca‘s plan.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 8
Celebrated challenges as if they were goals in a brilliant performance from the Cobham-made centre-back.
Lewandowski, Raphinha, Yamal, Rashford… no matter who you threw at him, they were not to get past Chalobah tonight.
Formed an excellent partnership with Wesley Fofana when the lights shone brightest in the Champions League.
WESLEY FOFANA – 7
Almost had an assist within minutes of the game starting, but was deemed to have handled the ball before cutting it back for Enzo Fernandez to finish.
The French defender was solid at the back for the Blues after that, and didn’t seem to struggle at all against the experience and power of Robert Lewandowski.
MARC CUCURELLA – 9
Had the toughest job of the night in going up against Lamine Yamal, but if anyone came into this game equipped to deal with Barcelona, it was him.
Not only was he utterly solid defensively against the Spanish wonderkid, but he also delivered an inch-perfect cross into Pedro Neto to set up Chelsea’s opener, even if he won’t get credited with the assist.
When he gets home he’ll have to remember to take Yamal out of his pocket alongside his wallet and keys.
REECE JAMES – 8
Was let off early in the first half as Ferran Torres failed to capitalise on a poor James pass intercepted by Frenkie De Jong.
Improved massively following that shaky moment though, cutting a composed figure in the Chelsea midfield, where he helped create chances and progress the ball up the pitch on multiple occasions.
One of those chances, was Estevao’s second-half stunner, with James playing a nice ball into the path of the Brazilian, who wrote the rest of that story with his magic feet.
MOISES CAICEDO – 9
A destructive midfield performance that showed why Chelsea’s £105m man is already being mentioned in the same breath as his legendary predecessors.
Combative, composed and in control. Caicedo proved again that he can do it all on the biggest stage.
There is not a team in world football that wouldn’t want him in their starting XI.
ESTEVAO – 9
This game was built up as Estevao vs Lamine Yamal, and the Chelsea fans chanting “You’re just a s*** Estevao” summarised that battle nicely.
Beat his man and slammed the ball into the roof of the net with his weaker right foot to double Chelsea’s lead shortly after half-time, in a goal that was eerily similar to the one he scored against the Blues for Palmeiras at the Club World Cup.
Several silky dribbles and incisive passes backed up a sensational all-round performance.
If he announced himself to the Premier League against Liverpool here weeks ago, he announced himself to the world tonight.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 9
Chelsea’s goalscoring Argentine midfielder thought he’d opened the scoring twice in the first 25 minutes, only to be denied by Wesley Fofana‘s arm and the offside flag.
Donning the No8, he at times looked almost Frank Lampard-esque as he arrived in the box and troubled the Barcelona defence, as well as dropping deeper to provide an outlet to Caicedo and James.
Finally got his just reward with an assist on a plate for Liam Delap, although that was almost ruled out too…
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6
Was involved in Chelsea’s eventual opener with a neat pass into Marc Cucurella, but had little impact aside from that.
He should be praised for plenty of running and hard work, but was ultimately the quietest of Chelsea’s attacking four.
Almost had a second-half assist for Andrey Santos, but the offside flag denied him before he was hooked for Liam Delap.
PEDRO NETO – 8
The Chelsea winger came into this game in fine form, with three goals in his last five Chelsea appearances, scoring in back-to-back games – such fine form that Enzo Maresca deployed him as a striker.
Maresca’s decision paid off, with Neto in the right place at the right time to force Jules Kounde into turning the ball into the back of his own net.
SUBS:
ANDREY SANTOS (MALO GUSTO, HT) – 8
Had the ball in the back of the Barcelona net for a FOURTH time shortly after coming on, but the timing of Garnacho’s run who set him up saw it disallowed.
Was then involved in Estevao’s stunner, combining with Reece James to set up his fellow countryman.
LIAM DELAP (ALEJANDRO GARNACHO, 59) – 7
Slotted the ball home with aplomb after Enzo Fernandez’s reverse pass inside the box, and his all-around forward play showed why Chelsea signed him.
TYRIQUE GEORGE (ESTEVAO, 83) – 5
Came on to see out the game, but didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
JOSH ACHEAMPONG (REECE JAMES, 83) – 5
Like George, a late sub who had little time to stamp his authority on the game.
