Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estevao Willian lit up Stamford Bridge with a brilliant solo goal as the Blues cruised to a 3-0 win over Barcelona, overshadowing fellow wonderkid Lamine Yamal in a clash of rising stars.
The 18-year-old Brazilian’s electric run and finish past Pau Cubarsi and Alejandro Balde highlighted a dominant Chelsea performance, as Yamal was later substituted to jeers from the home crowd in the 80th minute.
Chelsea opened the scoring via a short-corner routine that ended with Jules Kounde turning the ball into his own net under pressure from Neto. Despite missing Cole Palmer, the hosts dictated play throughout.
Enzo Fernandez had two goals disallowed for offside, and Reece James tested Barcelona’s goalkeeper Joan Garcia with two powerful efforts, while Neto missed a golden chance when through on goal.
Barcelona’s best opportunity came through Ferran Torres, who missed from close range before being subbed off at halftime for Marcus Rashford. However, the United loanee couldn’t inspire a comeback.
Estevao doubled Chelsea’s lead with a moment of brilliance, dribbling past two defenders before smashing home. Substitute Liam Delap sealed the win with a composed finish after Fernandez’s assist.
The win pushes Chelsea into the top eight of the Champions League league phase, positioning them to avoid the knockout play-off round-with three group games remaining.
