Chelsea returned to the top eight in the group stages of the Champions League with a resounding 3-0 win against Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca masterminded a crucial victory for the Blues, who were in need of three points after the damning draw against Qarabag in their previous fixture.
A Jules Kounde own goal, Estevao Willian and Liam Delap got Chelsea over the line, with their opponents being reduced to 10 men late in the first half.
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The red card had very little impact on proceedings, with Hansi Flick admitting the Blues were the dominant side on the night.
Chelsea FC v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5
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Robert Sanchez names Chelsea as Champions League favourites after Barcelona win
Following the win against PSG in the Club World Cup final, Maresca’s side are making a habit of stepping up against the sides many would deem as favourites to win these competitions.
It seems as if that confidence to deliver is seeping through to the players. Robert Sanchez told Marca that he believed the Blues were the favourites for the Champions League, after being asked whether Barcelona were one of those.
Evenings won’t get much easier for the goalkeeper than they did against the Catalan side. His most notable moment came in denying Raphinha what would be a late consolation goal.
Sanchez has shown great improvement over the last few months at Stamford Bridge, restricting Filip Jorgensen to limited minutes.
Jorgensen wants out of Chelsea, however at this stage the Blues are not interested in sanctioning a temporary exit from the club.
The highlights from Chelsea’s dominant victory over Barcelona!
Sanchez pokes fun at Lamine Yamal
In the battle of the wonderkids, Estevao certainly came out on top, with his opposite number struggling greatly.
Marc Cucurella silenced Lamine Yamal, and Chelsea fans were buoyant when he was hauled off late in the second half after failing to trouble the Blues.
Sanchez said in the same Marca interview: “Cucurella has him in his pocket. Everyone looks really good until they come to the Premier League.”
Estevao won the battle on Tuesday night, announcing himself to the world as a serious contender to Yamal as the world’s most talented young player.