Chelsea produced a statement performance in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, dismantling 10-man Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to edge closer to direct qualification for the round of 16. The victory moved Chelsea provisionally into the top eight of the league phase, boosting their chances of avoiding the playoff round.
Initially, Chelsea dominated possession and pressed high, facing frustration around two disallowed goals for Enzo Fernandez, one due to handball and the other, offside. While, Barcelona’s best opportunity came early when Ferran Torres missed a clear chance, but the visitors struggled to find rhythm.
Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Marc Cucurella’s cross, intended for Pedro Neto, deflected off Jules Kounde for an own goal. Barcelona’s night worsened just before halftime when captain Ronald Araujo received a second yellow card for a foul on Cucurella, reducing them to 10 men.
Estevao took the reins in the second half. After another Chelsea goal was ruled out for offside, the teenager doubled the lead in the 55th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Weaving past two defenders, he unleashed a powerful shot from a tight angle into the roof of the net, leaving goalkeeper Joan Garcia with no chance.
Substitute Liam Delap added a third in the 73rd minute, tapping in a Fernandez cross to seal the rout. The goal, initially flagged for offside, was awarded after a VAR review.
Barcelona, toothless throughout the contest, failed to register a single shot on target in the second half and now face a difficult path to automatic qualification, sitting on seven points with tricky fixtures ahead. Conversely, Chelsea, now on 10 points, look well-positioned to secure a top-eight finish.
Chelsea shone with their defensive solidity, becoming the first team in 53 games to stop the Spanish champions from scoring. Marc Cucurella was instrumental, nullifying Yamal’s threat on the wing. With momentum on their side, Chelsea will now turn their attention to the London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.