Rampant Chelsea humiliate 10-Man Barcelona in European showdown

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Chelsea produced one of their most commanding European performances in years on Tuesday night, outclassing Barcelona 3-0 in a pulsating UEFA Champions League League Phase clash at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Estêvão and Liam Delap, alongside a Jules Kounde own goal, sealed a statement victory for Enzo Maresca’s side, who dominated the visitors across 90 frantic minutes filled with VAR drama, superb goalkeeping, and moments of pure individual brilliance.

Barcelona finished the game with 10 men after Ronald Araújo received two yellow cards before half-time, summing up a miserable night for Hansi Flick’s side.

Chelsea began with ruthless intent, putting Barcelona under immediate pressure. Twice they had the ball in the net early, first through Enzo Fernández and then after a slick move, only for VAR to disallow both for offside.

But in the 27th minute, the breakthrough came in the most dramatic fashion. Enzo Fernández fired from the edge of the box, and Jules Kounde’s attempted block wrong-footed goalkeeper Joan Garcia and trickled into the net.

Moments later, Barcelona threatened through the lively Lamine Yamal, but Robert Sánchez remained unflappable in goal.

Chelsea doubled their lead in the 55th minute thanks to a breathtaking solo effort from Brazilian teenager Estêvão. Dancing past two defenders, he created space inside the area before unleashing a thunderous strike into the top-right corner, leaving Garcia motionless.

It was a goal worthy of a Champions League classic and one that shifted total control to the home side.

Just minutes earlier, Chelsea thought they had scored again through Andrey Santos, but his finish was ruled out for offside.

Chelsea’s dominance continued as Barcelona’s defence crumbled under wave after wave of attacks. The pressure paid off in the 73rd minute when Delap finished clinically into the bottom-right corner after a crisp pass from Enzo Fernández.

VAR intervened once more to check for offside, but the goal was confirmed. Chelsea celebrated with deserved confidence.

Despite their struggles, Barcelona nearly pulled a goal back in the 81st minute. Raphinha turned sharply inside the box and fired low, but Sánchez produced a stunning save, diving full stretch to preserve his clean sheet.