Chelsea’s impressive resurgence in the UEFA Champions League continued with a resounding 3-0 victory over Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on March 6, 2024. The match saw Chelsea capitalize on Barcelona’s misfortunes, including a first-half own goal and a red card, to secure a significant win that bolsters their position in the tournament.
Barcelona entered the game as one of the favorites, but their hopes were dashed early on. In the 27th minute, defender Jules Kounde inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing Chelsea the lead. Shortly thereafter, Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo received a second yellow card just before half-time, reducing the Spanish side to ten men and further tilting the match in Chelsea’s favor.
With the momentum firmly on their side, Chelsea’s youthful squad seized the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, playing captivating football. The highlight came from 18-year-old Brazilian star Estevao, who doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 55th minute with a stunning strike. Estevao showcased his technical prowess by deftly maneuvering past two defenders before unleashing a powerful shot into the roof of the net, marking his third Champions League goal in as many matches.
“It all happened very quickly,” Estevao said after the match. “I just found some space, wiggled my way through, and then scored that goal. It was such a special moment for me in my career. I hope to score many more.” Estevao’s performance has been a beacon of hope for Chelsea’s supporters, who are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of talent.
The scoring was rounded off in the 73rd minute when striker Liam Delap found the net, although the goal was initially ruled out for offside. A lengthy VAR review determined the goal was legitimate, confirming Chelsea’s comfortable 3-0 lead.
Under the guidance of Italian manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea currently sits second in the Premier League, a testament to their recent revival and effective strategy on the pitch. The victory against Barcelona is a significant marker of their potential as they aim for European glory this season.
In contrast to Chelsea’s triumph, other English clubs faced challenges in the Champions League. Manchester City suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat at home to Bayer Leverkusen, compounding manager Pep Guardiola‘s issues following a recent 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League. Newcastle, meanwhile, experienced their own defeat, losing 2-1 to Marseille, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring a quickfire double to secure the win for the French side.
Other notable matches included Galatasaray’s three-match winning streak in the Champions League ending with a 1-0 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise, and Benfica achieving their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Ajax. Benfica’s goals came from Samuel Dahl and Leandro Barreiro, propelling them up the standings while leaving Ajax at the bottom of the table.
As the Champions League progresses, Chelsea’s emphatic win against Barcelona reaffirms their status as a formidable force, while other clubs face mounting pressure to turn their fortunes around. The group stage continues to deliver surprises, setting the stage for an exhilarating remainder of the tournament.
