Estevao stole the spotlight at Stamford Bridge as the teenage sensation scored the opening goal in Chelsea's 2-0 pre-season win over Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.
The newly-crowned world champions dominated the first half against their visitors, but it was Estevao who stole the spotlight on his debut for the Blues, with the 18-year-old certainly Chelsea's most dangerous attacking threat, highlighted as he scored to give them a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
The same pattern quickly emerged in the second half, though Chelsea were much more measured in their approach as they eased back into rhythm in their first pre-season match, and they eventually doubled their lead late in the match as Joao Pedro continued his scoring streak for the Blues, sealing their 2-0 win.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
The Club World Cup champions may have won by just the two goals, but Chelsea's performance was certainly worthy of a much more one-sided scoreline.
Maresca's men were completely dominant over Bayer Leverkusen, especially throughout the first 45 minutes, as they controlled possession, consistently denied the German opponents any time on the ball, constantly produced attacking threat and were just the overall better team.
The Chelsea boss will be particularly pleased with the performance of new signing and teenage sensation Estevao, who was utterly superb on his debut outing for the Blues, including scoring the winning goal early on in the first half.
CHELSEA VS. BAYER LEVERKUSEN HIGHLIGHTS
Estevao goal vs. Bayer Leverkusen (18th min, Chelsea 1-0 Bayer Leverkusen)
"The boy from Brazil has arrived at the Bridge!"
It didn't take long for Estêvão to open his Chelsea account! ? pic.twitter.com/wyPLvKz119
— Channel 5 Sport (@Channel5Sport) August 8, 2025
Estevao grabs a goal on his debut and opens the scoring for Chelsea!
Marc Cucurella fires a pass into Palmer inside the box, and the attacking midfielder's touch bounces into the air and he attempts to lob the goalkeeper..
Palmer's shot crashes off the bar and back toward the far post, where Estevao volleys it into the ground and up into the back of the net.
Joao Pedro goal vs. Bayer Leverkusen (90th min, Chelsea 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen)
Chelsea make it two - Pedro continues his superb scoring streak for the Blues!
Genesis Antwi bursts down the right wing, into the box and then cuts a cross back to the edge of the Bayer Leverkusen area.
The ball is left to Pedro, who takes one touch and fires a hard, low strike into the bottom left corner to give Chelsea their second.
MAN OF THE MATCH - ESTEVAO
Estevao of Chelsea celebrates on August 8, 2025
Estevao may be just 18 years old, but the teenage sensation absolutely ran the show for Chelsea tonight.
Not only did the Brazilian score the opening goal on his debut, but he demonstrated all of his stunning technical and physical quality.
In his 77 minutes on the pitch, Estevao made three key passes, attempted three dribbles and took a massive seven shots - showing his confidence to take control of the situation at just 18.
CHELSEA VS. BAYER LEVERKUSEN MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 69%-31% Bayer Leverkusen
Shots: Chelsea 24-4 Bayer Leverkusen
Shots on target: Chelsea 9-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Corners: Chelsea 7-4 Bayer Leverkusen
Fouls: Chelsea 13-9 Bayer Leverkusen
WHAT NEXT?
Chelsea will play their second and final pre-season friendly against AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon, followed by their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace.
As for Bayer Leverkusen, today's match was their final fixture ahead of their 2025-26 opening match against SG Sonnenhof Grossaspach in the first round of the DFB Pokal.
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