A clinical Chelsea side ruthlessly exposed Barcelona's hopeless high line as the Blues cruised to a 3-0 Champions League win over Hansi Flick's 10 men at Stamford Bridge.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca loaded his team up with pacy wingers to capitalise on Barca's high line, tactics that nearly paid off twice, only for the linesman's flag to come to the visitors' rescue on both occasions.
However, there would be no reprieve for Jules Kounde and his comical own goal midway through the first half, and Barca's night took another turn for the worse when Ronald Araujo was dismissed for two bookable offences.
The Club World Cup winners made their extra man count early in the second half through the electric Estevao Willian, who became the second-youngest player to score in three straight Champions League starts after Kylian Mbappe.
Substitute Liam Delap added a late third just for good measure, and the hosts comfortably saw out a stellar success, one that ended Barca's 24-game scoring streak in the Champions League.
More to follow.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
Chelsea did not just beat Barcelona tonight. They decimated them. And deservedly so.
It was obvious from the get-go that Flick's side were going to employ their high-risk, high-reward defensive strategy, but there was no reward for the likes of Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski, who were anonymous all evening.
One wonders how the game would have panned out had Ferran Torres not missed an early sitter, but the La Liga champions offered sweet little in attack otherwise, thanks to Chelsea's magnificent structure, discipline and cohesion throughout the 90.
It almost feels wrong to highlight individuals after such a dazzling collective display, but Estevao will steal the headlines after a sensational solo goal, making the Neymar comparisons seem a little less premature.
Chelsea are so young, but so wise, just like their manager - Maresca's decision to go without a recognised number nine worked a treat, and there is little to suggest that they cannot go deep in this competition based on tonight's display.
On the other hand, Barcelona's super-high line may be effective against teams of a lesser calibre, but this is what can happen when you try to be brave - or stupid - against a world-class side.
Do not expect Flick to change his ways, though, even if he has now suffered an unwanted first - tonight marked the first time ever that a team managed by the 60-year-old failed to score in a Champions League game.
CHELSEA VS. BARCELONA HIGHLIGHTS
Jules Kounde own goal vs. Barcelona (27th min, Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona)
BREAKTHROUGH AT THE BRIDGE! ?
Barca can't clear their lines & it's turned in by Kounde for a Chelsea lead! ? pic.twitter.com/2OA1rgTNz9
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 25, 2025
No offside this time, even if the camera angles do suggest differently!
Marc Cucurella beats the Barcelona high line and cuts back for Pedro Neto, whose cheeky flick ricochets off of Ferran Torres and Jules Kounde a few times before trickling in.
Kounde is credited with the own goal, and the replays show that Pau Cubarsi's trailing leg was keeping Cucurella on.
Robert Araujo vs. Chelsea (44th min, Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona)
It goes from BAD to WORSE for Barca! ?
Ronald Araújo is sent off & the visitors will play the entire 2nd half with ten men! ? pic.twitter.com/5Oav12uyjZ
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 25, 2025
No protestation. No arguments. Ronald Araujo knows his fate.
The Uruguayan - already on a yellow card - is beaten to the ball by Cucurella and scythes down the Spaniard, giving the referee one of the easiest decisions he will make all year.
Estevao Willian goal vs. Barcelona (55th min, Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona)
Estê ̶v̶ã̶o̶WOW ?
A super goal from Chelsea's young Brazilian to make it 2-0! ??? pic.twitter.com/B8NJlt4Xby
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 25, 2025
If it was not already obvious, this kid is special.
The Brazilian phenom jinks his way past Cubarsi as he advances into the box, fends off the attention of Alejandro Balde and rifles in a thunderous near-post finish into the roof of the net.
Liam Delap goal vs. Barcelona (75th min, Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona)
No words.
Barcelona play the highest of high lines yet again, but the back four is disjointed yet again, and Balde plays Enzo Fernandez onside from Pedro Neto's pass.
The Argentine has the simple job of squaring to Liam Delap for a tap-in, and after the linesman's flag goes up initially, the goal is awarded following a VAR check.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MARC CUCURELLA
Estevao will lap up the plaudits, but this man did what so many others have failed and will fail to do - not give Yamal a sniff.
Cucurella won four of his five tackles and drew two fouls during a dogged defensive performance, not to mention also playing a critical role in the hosts' opening goal.
CHELSEA VS. BARCELONA MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 55%-45% Barcelona
Shots: Chelsea 15-5 Barcelona
Shots on target: Chelsea 6-2 Barcelona
Corners: Chelsea 4-0 Barcelona
Fouls: Chelsea 18-12 Barcelona
BEST STATS
Barcelona are only the third team in history to score an own goal AND receive a red card in the first-half of a Champions League match.
What's Spanish for nightmare? ? pic.twitter.com/YZO8qkRF6X
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) November 25, 2025
3 - Jules Koundé ?? has scored three own goals for @FCBarcelona in all competitions since joining the club in 2022/23, the most of any player for the club since his arrival. Unlucky. pic.twitter.com/JritfUQic5
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 25, 2025
3 - Estêvão (18y 215d) is the third teenager to score in each of his first three UEFA Champions League starts after Kylian Mbappé (18y 113d) and Erling Haaland (19y 107d). Flourishing. pic.twitter.com/8aswOnQQjs
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 25, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
For Chelsea, the small matter of Arsenal's visit in the Premier League on Sunday, and their next Champions League clash comes away to Italian outfit Atalanta BC on December 9.
As for Barcelona, Flick's side continue their La Liga title defence at home to Alaves on Saturday and are next in European action against Eintracht Frankfurt in 14 days' time.