With the January transfer window approaching, Enzo Maresca’s team are riding high after a commanding 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night. ..Continue Reading
Chelsea controlled the match from the outset, pressing Barcelona relentlessly and disrupting the Spanish champions’ ability to build possession.
Their intense style paid off when Jules Kounde’s own goal opened the scoring in the 27th minute, deflecting Pedro Neto’s shot past his own keeper.
Barcelona’s night worsened when captain Ronald Araujo was sent off just before halftime, receiving a second yellow card for a reckless foul on Marc Cucurella.
The red card dashed any realistic hopes of a comeback and allowed Chelsea to dominate the second half.
The highlight came ten minutes after the break when Estevao delivered a moment of brilliance.
The 18-year-old Brazilian weaved past Pau Cubarsi from the wing before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner.
The strike underlined his exceptional talent and marked his third straight Champions League game with a goal, earning him widespread acclaim for outshining Barcelona’s own prodigy Lamine Yamal.
Liam Delap sealed the win with 17 minutes to go, finishing coolly after a smart pass from Enzo Fernández. Though initially flagged offside, VAR overturned the decision.
Cucurella received high praise for his defensive performance against Yamal, with his positioning and awareness key to neutralizing Barcelona’s attack.
Chelsea’s dominant showing sets the stage for a crucial Premier League showdown this weekend against table-toppers Arsenal, a match that could define their title ambitions.
Away from the pitch, BlueCo are reportedly targeting one of Mikel Arteta’s emerging talents.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea have initiated talks with the representatives of Hale End academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly.
The England youth international was recently advised by Thomas Tuchel that increased playing time is essential to earn a spot in the Three Lions squad for next year’s World Cup, with Riccardo Calafiori’s strong form limiting his opportunities.
Despite this, both Lewis-Skelly and Arsenal are keen to continue their partnership.
Still, Maresca’s side are exploring the possibility, and Chelsea are said to be making a ‘bold’ push to persuade Lewis-Skelly that Stamford Bridge is the right move.
“Our Arsenal source says that Chelsea are now being ‘aggressive and bold’ in their attempts to convince the Gunners star to head to Chelsea,” Phillips wrote, via his Substack.
“Lewis-Skelly is determined to make it at Arsenal, but could Chelsea end up tempting him now? Time will tell.”
This interest aligns with Chelsea’s long-term planning for Cucurella’s eventual departure, even though it’s not expected imminently.
The Spanish defender hopes to return to La Liga later in his career, and Lewis-Skelly is viewed as a potential successor in the left-back role.
Leave a Reply