Chelsea produced a statement Champions League performance at Stamford Bridge, sweeping aside Barcelona with a commanding 3–0 victory that fires them up the competition’s mega table and sends a clear message to Europe’s elite.
Manager Enzo Maresca hailed the win in his post match interview with Amazon Prime Sport, smiling:
“It’s a good win. We knew how important this game was. For sure, when you beat Barcelona it is always nice.”
Maresca praised his side’s bravery in possession, insisting that controlling the ball was key to unsettling Barça.
“Barcelona are comfortable when they have the ball, but not when they don’t. Even at 11 vs 11, I felt very good with how the team were playing.”
He also highlighted Chelsea’s improved defensive solidity:
“The defensive part is always important. In the last month we’re finishing games with clean sheets. It’s something you need to achieve important things.”
The Italian credited Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph as a turning point in the squad’s mentality.
“It gave the players confidence. To build a winning mentality, you need to win games.”
Chelsea Climb, Barça Stumble
The victory pushes Chelsea into the top eight of the Champions League mega standings, while a bruised Barcelona slide to 15th, leaving work to do in the remaining group fixtures to secure automatic qualification.
Elsewhere, all eyes turn to Wednesday as Arsenal host Bayern Munich in a heavyweight clash between the competition’s top two sides.
Cucurella: ‘We Deserved the Win’
Marc Cucurella echoed his manager’s delight after a relentless team performance:
“We played really well and we deserved the win with the attitude we had and how organised we were.”
The full back hailed Chelsea’s recent upturn in defensive form:
“The last couple of games we’ve improved at the back. The clean sheets give us confidence. This is just the beginning and we have a long way to go.”
Reflecting on his journey, he added:
“In football you have ups and downs, but staying consistent is the most important thing. After nights like this, everything makes sense.”
Estevão: A Star Making Moment
Teenage sensation Estevão capped the night with a memorable goal and admitted he was almost lost for words.
“I don’t really have any words to sum up how I’m feeling. It really was the perfect night.”
On his brilliantly taken finish:
“It all happened so quickly, I just found space, wriggled through and scored. It’s the most special moment of my career, and I hope I keep scoring for years.”
And on his bond with the Chelsea faithful:
“From the moment I arrived, I felt a connection with the fans. I’m so happy I could score for them.”
