Former Stamford Bridge star Pat Nevin was in awe of Estebao Willian, who scored an excellent particular person transfer, an actual breakthrough for the younger Brazilian, as Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-0 within the Champions League.
The Blues received off to the fitting begin, inviting Hansi Flick’s excessive line to lure Barcelona in. Many warning indicators have been additionally given to the Spaniards. Wesley Fofana’s hand spared them an early blush earlier than the linesman’s flag recommended Flick had chosen his ways properly in his journey to Stamford Bridge. Nevertheless it was clear that it was inevitable.
Within the twenty seventh minute, Barcelona and Jules Kounde accomplished the job Enzo Fernandes believed he had executed twice earlier than: scoring the again of the purpose to offer Chelsea the lead. An personal purpose opened the door within the first half of an onslaught that did not let up after the break as West London have been handled to an Estevao present.
On an evening centered round Lamine Yamal, one of many candidates for the primary Ballon d’Or in 2026, it was Chelsea’s teenager who shone the brightest with a shocking purpose within the fifty fifth minute. The 18-year-old has confirmed to be top-of-the-line gamers of the Todd Boley period.
Barring a futile early effort from Ferran Torres, Barcelona couldn’t come up with Enzo Maresca’s dominant facet. This was not what the Spanish membership confirmed in 2005. In truth, it was superb to see the hosts’ largest victory in historical past in opposition to Barcelona within the Champions League.
With this beautiful victory, they now have three wins from 5 video games within the Champions League, and have attracted consideration as a possible darkish horse. They’ve a variety of historical past in current European soccer and it was one other evening to recollect.
Pat Nevin impressed with ‘completely good’ Estevao
When information broke earlier this week that Cole Palmer had suffered a damaged toe in an accident at dwelling, there was understandably concern round west London as to the place the Blues would proceed to search out their brilliant spots. However Mr. Estevao wouldn’t have shared that concern. He noticed a chance – he grabbed it with each arms in opposition to Barcelona, in opposition to each crew.
He completed the evening with three probabilities, one purpose and eight touches inside Barcelona’s field, incomes him much-deserved reward from Nevin. The previous Chelsea participant was shocked by the teenage sensation, telling BBC Sport: “Do you know? Begin believing the hype! Estevao Willian is particular!”
“The way in which he handed the primary participant, there was no house in any respect and he left him alone. He did it with simply pure method and fast ft. There was nonetheless a tough angle to beat to complete, however he leathered it into the purpose.”
“He is positively and completely going to be an important participant. It isn’t a query of if, it is a query of when and the way nice.”
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