Estêvão Outshines Lamine Yamal as Chelsea Destroy Barcelona

Brazil’s new superstar takes over Stamford Bridge

Lamine Yamal has rarely been overshadowed in his young career, but at Stamford Bridge the spotlight moved clearly to one player: Estêvão Willian. Chelsea’s 18-year-old winger produced a stunning performance, dominating Barcelona and proving why the club paid £52m to bring him from Palmeiras.

Cucurella Shuts Down Yamal

Barcelona expected magic from Lamine Yamal, but he barely touched the ball.
Marc Cucurella controlled him from the first minute, winning every duel and giving the Chelsea crowd a show of defensive mastery.

This was supposed to be a battle of two global teenage stars. Instead, it became a one-sided display.

Estêvão Steals the Show

While Yamal struggled, Estêvão exploded.
The Brazilian tore through Barça again and again, scoring a breathtaking solo goal that will go down as one of the most spectacular Champions League goals in years.

He ran past Pau Cubarsí, shrugged off Alejandro Balde, and smashed the ball home with his weaker foot. The speed, strength, and technique were straight out of a Lionel Messi highlight reel.

It was his third goal in three Champions League starts, making him only the third teenager to do so after Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé.

Chelsea Show Confidence and Power

Even without Cole Palmer, Chelsea dominated. Moisés Caicedo bossed the midfield. Reece James, Enzo Fernández and Pedro Neto overwhelmed Barça with their intensity and positioning.

Chelsea opened the scoring when Jules Koundé bundled Neto’s flick into his own net after a clever short corner routine.

Barcelona, meanwhile, were a mess. Ferran Torres missed their only real chance, Robert Lewandowski was invisible, and their midfield looked too weak physically.

Barcelona Collapse Before Half-Time

Barça’s frustrations grew. Lamine Yamal tried to win a soft free-kick, and when the referee ignored it, Ronald Araújo exploded with anger.
He was booked—and minutes later he fouled Cucurella again and received a second yellow.

Barcelona had to play the entire second half with 10 men, and they looked broken.

Estêvão’s Second Moment of Magic

Chelsea doubled their lead after a midfield turnover.
James fed Estêvão, who danced past Cubarsí again, powered through Balde, and smashed the ball into the top corner.

Stamford Bridge went wild. It was the goal of a superstar, a player with no fear and impossible talent.

Chelsea Finish the Job

Enzo Fernández unselfishly squared the ball for Liam Delap to score Chelsea’s third.
Barcelona offered nothing in response.

Hansi Flick’s team look unlikely to finish in the top eight after a poor run of seven points from five games. Chelsea, meanwhile, climb to fifth and suddenly feel unstoppable.

With Estêvão in this form, anything is possible for Enzo Maresca’s team.