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chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca insisted that “nothing has changed” for his young side as they produced a devastating display to overcome a 10-man squad. barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Victory ensured direct progress Champions League The last 16 is still in the hands of the Blues, but it was the manner of the victory – a pulsating, courageous performance, fluency in attack and an indomitable desire to get the ball back – that felt like the most important result of a memorable night.
Teenage winger Estevao further cements his growing reputation by surpassing his 18-year-old teammate Lamin YamalWho contributed very little.
In contrast, the Brazilian scored the greatest goal of his career to put Chelsea 2–0 up early in the second half, slipping inside defender Pau Cubarsi and then gliding past Alejandro Balde to net a rising, unstoppable finish.
Jules Kounde had scored an own goal early on to give the home side the lead, while Barca captain Ronald Araújo was given a red card late in the first half for a second booking.
Liam Delap scored Chelsea’s third, his first since the Club World Cup in the summer, as Chelsea made a deafening statement ahead of their meeting with Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday.
“It’s a big win, especially because it was Barcelona, but nothing has changed in terms of what team we are and what we can achieve,” said Maresca, whose team will reduce the gap at the top to three points with victory over the Gunners.
“It’s important tonight, but no more than that. Now we focus on the next one.”
“The feeling was great. It feels great to share a moment like this, with my fans at home. Now, the next 48 hours are completely off, rest, get energy.
“We need to keep the momentum going. It’s a lot easier to recover energy when you win games.”
Much of the talk in the build-up had drawn comparisons between Estevao and Yamal, who were born less than three months apart and at 18 already looked like the future of European football.
But Maresca reiterated his appeal to fans and media to remain calm in the face of such obvious talent.
“He needs to rest, he needs to enjoy, he needs to play football,” he said.
“He and Lamin are very young. If you start talking about Messi and Ronaldo, it’s too much pressure for young boys like them. They need to come to the training ground happy.”
barca boss Hansi FlickWhose team is facing the challenge of making the top eight after its second defeat in five Champions League matches this season, shows Chelsea’s dominance.
“Chelsea were more dynamic in one-on-one situations,” he said. “That’s what I want from my team. We’ve got to fight a little more.”
“It’s a game, it’s Chelsea. With one player less, it’s the way it is. I think positive for the next match.”