The highly anticipated Champions League matchup between Chelsea and Barcelona could not have gone better for Enzo Maresca’s men.
It was all Chelsea in the first 45. The Blues would force the ball over the line on three occasions in the first half, but only the third one counted to give them a 1-0 lead. The architect? Chelsea’s La Masia graduate, Marc Cucurella.
Ronald Araujo was shown a second yellow shortly before the break for a tackle on the Spaniard, and Chelsea went out in the second half full of confidence.
Estevao Willian scored a majestic solo goal to make it 2-0, and take the tie out of 10-man Barcelona’s reach — before Liam Delap put the final nail in the coffin from close range.
Who was your Player of the Match vs Barcelona?
Chelsea player ratings vs Barcelona
Robert Sanchez – 7
Sanchez wasn’t made to break a sweat over 90 minutes, but he was sharp off of his line when needed.
Malo Gusto – 6
The Frenchman only lasted 45 minutes, on the receiving end of a couple of hefty challenges before the break.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Both of Chelsea’s centre-backs did what was needed of them. Fofana looked physically at his best, and showed composure in possession allowing the Blues to control the game.
Trevoh Chalobah – 7
Chalobah was fired up for this one, and looked to be playing with immense confidence. Also great.
Marc Cucurella – 8
Cucurella was fantastic again on Tuesday night. He kept Lamine Yamal quiet and was once again the tone-setter for Chelsea. Proving an invaluable player for Maresca.
Marc Cucurella battling with Lamine Yamal
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Yamal’s face upon leaving the pitch tells you all you need to know about Cucurella’s performance.
Reece James – 7
James played in midfield for the first half before being pushed back to his usual spot. But wherever he was, he hardly put a foot wrong — apart from a sixth-minute errand pass that handed the Catalan side their only chance of the game.
Moises Caicedo – 8
A fresh Caicedo was always going to do well, especially given the absences of Pedri and Gavi. And he did not disappoint.
The Ecuadorian was everywhere at Stamford Bridge, giving the defence virtually nothing to do.
Estevao Willian – 9
Estevao celebrates his goal for Chelsea vs Barcelona
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
This game was branded as a first meeting of two of Europe’s best young talents. Raphinha praised Estevao and Lamine Yamal’s talent in the buildup, and it was the up and coming Chelsea superstar who stole the show.
He danced through the Barca defence with ease and blasted a right-footed shot into the roof of Joan Garcia’s net for Chelsea’s second. The Brazilian just keeps on delivering, and deserves to be singled out for his moment of genius.
Enzo Fernandez – 8
Enzo’s passing vision opened up the game for Chelsea. He constantly threatened to break the lines, finding willing runners all around him.
But his best moment came when he was the one slipped through on goal, squaring it to Delap for an easy finish.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Effort certainly wasn’t lacking from Garnacho’s performance. He didn’t give Jules Kounde a second’s rest, but the end product could have been a bit sharper.
Pedro Neto – 8
We definitely didn’t expect Maresca’s decision to start Neto up front, but the logic was clear. Like against Burnley, the Portuguese was tasked with using his pace to stretch the Barcelona high line, and he did so effectively.
He might not have a goal or an assist to show from the evening, but his impact was huge.
Substitutions
Liam Delap celebrating goal with Chelsea players
Photo by Jan Kruger – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Andrey Santos – 7
Santos came on at the break and popped up with a goal five minutes later, but again Chelsea were caught out by the offside trap. It was his defensive work that won back possession for Estevao’s magical goal.
Liam Delap – 7
Delap was introduced on the hour mark. He got his first Champions League goal, and what an occasion to do it on.
Manager rating
Enzo Maresca – 10
It was a tactical masterclass from the Chelsea coach. Even with 11 men, Barcelona didn’t have time to breathe. It was reminiscent of the PSG display back in summer — got it absolutely spot on.