By Samuel A. November 25, 2025
Chelsea reigned supreme on Tuesday night in their most anticipated match of the season so far, beating European rivals Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. The whole talk before the match was mainly about Yamal and Estevao, the two teenage sensations from both teams, however, it was Chelsea’s Brazilian sensation that stole the show, thundering an effort into the roof of the net for his side’s second after beating Pau Cubarsi, on a disappointing night for Yamal.
Marc Cucurella, the player of the match, did a job on his Spanish team-mate, locking down Barcelona’s biggest threat in perhaps his greatest performance in blue, as Chelsea became the first side to stop the Spanish champions from scoring in 53 games. Chelsea led deservedly after Ferran Torres’ clearcut miss, through Jules Kounde’s unfortunate first-half own goal from Cucurella’s cross after Pedro Neto’s strike ricocheted off him. Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo was sent off just before the break for a second booking, making the game look more leaned towards Chelsea.
Substitute Liam Delap scored Chelsea’s third – his first goal since the Club World Cup – after a VAR review overturned the decision to rule it out for offside. Enzo Maresca made the bold decision to start without a recognised striker, Neto playing as the false nine with Joao Pedro dropped, and it paid off handsomely with Chelsea bossing the Spanish champions to move fifth in the Champions League standings.
It sets Chelsea up perfectly ahead of a huge game against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday and underlines their credentials as contenders for major honours this season.
Chelsea’s Estevao said post match: “I don’t really have any words to sum up how I am feeling right now. It really was the perfect night. I am just grateful to God for making everything happen for me. Onwards and upwards from here. It was all very quick for me. It happened before I knew it. I just found some space and wiggled my way through and scored the goal. It was such a special moment for me in my career and I hope to score many more. Yes, it was definitely the most special moment in my career. I hope I keep scoring more and more for many years.”
