Estêvão experienced a night he’ll never forget. The Brazilian teenager scored his first Champions League goal as Chelsea eased past Ajax 5-1 at Stamford Bridge, adding another key step to his fast rise under Enzo Maresca.
After the match, the 18-year-old spoke to [**TNT Sports Brazil**](https://x.com/TNTSportsBR/status/1981112550763778364/video/1), and revealed the excitement he felt before his first European start.
_“I’m very happy for this first goal in the Champions League. I can’t even describe the feeling. I always dreamed of this moment and now it has arrived,”_ he said.
_“I found out this morning that I’d be starting. We had a meeting and I was told I’d play. I usually nap before games, but I couldn’t sleep at all, I was too anxious,”_ Estêvão admitted.
Chelsea captain gesture helps mark a special debut
--------------------------------------------------
The penalty that gave him his debut goal came at the end of the first half. Enzo Fernández, Chelsea’s usual penalty taker, had already scored earlier in the game.
Instead of going for a second, the Argentine midfielder showed generosity and handed the ball to Estêvão so the youngster could score his first Champions League goal.
_“Enzo Fernández is a great guy. He gave me the chance to take the penalty. I didn’t expect it because he had scored the first goal, but he looked at me and handed me the ball. That shows how united this group is. Everyone helps each other,”_ he added.
Chelsea’s £52m signing is adapting quickly to life in England. Calm on the ball and confident in front of goal, the teenager keeps impressing Maresca. Therefore the manager continues to give him steady chances in both domestic and European competitions.
Wednesday’s performance confirmed Chelsea’s faith in their young signing. It was the kind of moment that turns promise into proof. And one both Chelsea fans and the player will remember.