Former Barcelona youth product Marc Cucurella was one of the key men for Chelsea as they picked up a huge Champions League win against Barcelona.
Cucurella cropped up in an unfamiliar right-wing position to cross the ball, and after Pedro Neto’s shot, Jules Kounde turned the ball into his own net.
Estevao Willian’s brilliant goal doubled their lead, before Liam Delap struck his first goal since the Club World Cup off the bench.
Who was your Player of the Match vs Barcelona?
Before the game, one of the big talking points was how Chelsea were going to stop Ballon d’Or runner up Lamine Yamal.
Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Marc Cucurella’s aggression was key to shutting down Lamine Yamal
Up against his international colleague, the youngster didn’t have a sniff in the final third, and Roberto Martinez believes this was purely down to Cucurella’s defending.
He told Amazon Prime that he believes the Spaniard’s aggression was key to keeping Yamal quiet, and therefore Chelsea picking up all three points.
He said: “How are you going to stop Lamine Yamal? He always tries to show him outside, and then he’s quick, and he reacts quickly. He wants to let him know that he’s going to have no time.
“Look at the intensity. The moment the ball is played, he’s gonna be aggressive and he’s going to win the ball back. He knows he’s quick, sharp and he can cope with him.”
Chelsea fans were jubilant when the Barcelona man was subbed off late in the second half, although the reaction paled in comparison to when Estevao was subbed off minutes later.
Estevao celebrates goal for Chelsea against Barcelona
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Yamal outshone by Estevao Willian
On a night where two of the best youngsters in world football, were squaring off, it was clear that the Chelsea man came out on top at Stamford Bridge.
Estevao’s wondergoal in the second half was the perfect way to announce himself to the wider world as a top talent not just for the future, but also the present.
Estevao’s stunning goal against Barcelona!
Enzo Maresca has tried his best to protect the Brazilian and not give him too many minutes too soon, however it will be his toughest call yet to not start him against Arsenal at the weekend.