Estevao Shines as Chelsea Triumphs Over Barcelona in Champions League Clash

Ahead of Chelsea’s encounter with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, early comparisons between teenage sensations Estevao Willian and Lamine Yamal seemed premature. However, after Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 victory on Tuesday, such comparisons are now more fitting.

The 18-year-old Estevao vividly announced his presence on the global stage, culminating in a breathtaking goal that overshadowed Yamal’s performance.

Yamal, also 18, is not likely to be perturbed by this result. He is a European Championship winner with Spain, a two-time LaLiga champion, and a Ballon d’Or runner-up. His future remains bright, full of potential for at least another decade.

The current structure of the Champions League group stage means Barcelona’s 15th position is not catastrophic, especially with three favorable matches ahead against Bayer Leverkusen, Copenhagen, and Slavia Prague.

This match highlights Estevao’s emergence and Chelsea’s resurgence, providing hope to a fanbase that has witnessed significant changes since their Champions League victory in 2021.

Estevao’s trajectory in the sport appears limitless. Those who anticipated Yamal to dominate the game were instead treated to a remarkable moment from Estevao, who proved his talent on the opposite flank.

With Chelsea already ahead due to a comical own goal from Jules Koundé and a red card for Ronald Araújo, the ball was quickly circulated to Estevao by Reece James. The young winger, showing remarkable skill, executed a dazzling run, cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot into the net past Joan García.

The television cameras promptly turned to Yamal for his reaction, who attempted to remain composed while Estevao celebrated jubilantly across the field. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca appeared astonished, turning towards his coaching staff.

In a post-match interview, Maresca was asked if Estevao’s goal was reminiscent of Lionel Messi. He replied, “No, Estevao’s goal reminded me of one he scored against us in the Club World Cup, which was quite similar.”

Maresca emphasized that Estevao needs to enjoy his development and not feel pressured by comparisons to legends like Messi and Ronaldo. “At 18, such comparisons can be overwhelming. They should enjoy the game and arrive at training happy,” he stated.

Estevao has now become the third player in history to score in his first three Champions League matches, joining the ranks of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. His five goals this season match the tally of all other Premier League players aged 18 or under combined.

Throughout the game, Chelsea maintained relentless pressure against Barcelona. They had three disallowed goals, with Enzo Fernández’s pass leading to a fourth potential goal, which was validated by a VAR review. Substitute Liam Delap scored his first Champions League goal, adding to Chelsea’s positive momentum.

Fernández and Marc Cucurella were impressive, while Barcelona squandered opportunities, including a significant miss from Ferran Torres. The previous season’s semifinalists struggled both before and after Araujo’s dismissal, becoming the first team in 14 years to score an own goal and receive a red card in a Champions League match.

Chelsea’s performance was outstanding, a stark contrast to their previous reputation as overly reliant on Cole Palmer for creativity. As former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney noted, “We haven’t even mentioned Cole Palmer tonight. That’s how well Chelsea played.”

Chelsea’s management of Estevao’s playing time has been careful, but the temptation to utilize him against Premier League leaders Arsenal will be strong. Maresca expressed confidence in his decision-making, indicating Estevao will play when the game plan necessitates.

Yamal was substituted late in the match, leaving the pitch with disappointment, while Chelsea fans taunted him. Yet, the future looks bright for him, just as it does for Chelsea and Estevao, who departed to a standing ovation, sharing a moment with Palmer that could signal an exciting partnership ahead.