Chelsea’s teenage sensation Estevao dazzled in the Champions League on Tuesday, scoring a brilliant solo goal to help his side secure a 3-0 win over Barcelona. The 18-year-old Brazilian outshone fellow prodigy Lamine Yamal, as Chelsea claimed their third victory in five group-stage matches.
Estevao’s moment of brilliance came 10 minutes after halftime, when he collected the ball on the right, beat two defenders, and rifled it into the top corner of goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s net. The goal marked his 10th of the season for club and country, just months into his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s other goals came via an own goal from Barcelona’s Jules Kounde and a late strike from substitute Liam Delap. Barcelona were reduced to 10 men late in the second half after captain Ronald Araujo received a second yellow card.
Following the match, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed comparisons between Estevao and Lionel Messi, noting the young forward’s goal reminded him more of a strike Estevao scored for Palmeiras against Chelsea at the Club World Cup in July. Maresca emphasized the importance of easing pressure on young talents.
“Him, Lamine, they are so young, at 18, that comparing them to Messi or Ronaldo is too much pressure,” Maresca said. “Eighteen-year-olds need to enjoy football and arrive at training happy. Talking about Messi or Ronaldo at this age is overwhelming.”
Estevao, overwhelmed by the support from Chelsea fans, described the moment as the “best” of his career. “I don’t really have words to describe how I feel. It was the perfect night. I’m just grateful to God for everything,” he said. “From the moment I arrived, I felt a connection with the fans. I’m happy I could score for them and make them happy, and I hope to keep doing that.”
Maresca also clarified that Estevao’s outstanding form would not add undue pressure for him to play in every match. “We chose to play Estevao in one of the most challenging games of the season. I’m not a manager who limits minutes; the game plan always dictates the starting 11,” he explained.
