Chelsea teen Estevao, 18, scores a stunner in 3-0 thrashing of Barcelona; manager Enzo Maresca tones down comparisons with Messi, Ronaldo, saying he doesn’t want to pressurise Brazilian youngster
Enzo Maresca
Chelsea’s teen star Estevao thoroughly outshone Barcelona’s jewel Lamine Yamal as the Blues defeated the Catalan giants 3-0 in a UEFA Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.
With his family watching from the stands, the 18-year-old Brazilian made a run through Barcelona’s right flank in the 55th minute, speeding past two defenders while outfoxing them with his sublime dribbling, before firing a powerful angled shot into the net with his weaker right foot.
‘It was the perfect night’
“I don’t really have any words to sum up how I am feeling. It was all very quick for me. I found some space and wiggled my way through. It really was the perfect night. [My goal] was such a special moment for me in my career. From the moment I arrived here, I felt such a connection with the fans. I’m just so happy I could score for them and make them happy,” said Estevao.
Chelsea forward Estevao celebrates his goal against Barcelona in a Champions League match in London on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images
It was Chelsea’s second goal of the night after Barcelona defender Jules Kounde turned one into his own (27th min). The hosts would go on to add another goal courtesy of Liam Delap (73rd min) while Barcelona were down to 10-men by the 31st minute after skipper Ronald Araujo received a second booking for a clumsy tackle.
Estevao has quickly established himself as one of Chelsea’s most dangerous weapons and is already a fan favourite since arriving from Brazil’s Palmeiras this summer. However, Blues boss Enzo Maresca sought to ease the pressure on his young player, saying he needed to “relax” and enjoy his football. “He’s so young that if you start to talk about [comparisons with] Messi, Ronaldo, I think it’s too much pressure,” said the Italian coach.
Flick rues Araujo’s red card
Meanwhile, it was the second loss in five league matches for Barcelona, whose coach Hansi Flick was left ruing Araujo’s red card, but admitted his side could’ve done better in certain areas. “We started very well and had a big opportunity to score first. Then the red card changed the match. We [also] lost some easy balls and definitely need to be more dynamic and play with greater aggression,” said Flick.
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