Enzo Fernandez has questioned Hansi Flick’s tactical approach following Barcelona’s 3-0 defeat to Chelsea, claiming the visitors were asking for trouble with their ultra-high defensive line.
Chelsea blew their opposition away in what was one of Enzo Maresca’s most impressive nights since taking charge of the club, with Estevao and Liam Delap both scoring after Jules Kounde had fired into his own net.
Barca were, at times, their own worst enemy at Stamford Bridge and Ronald Araujo’s sending off – for a second bookable offence – on the stroke of half-time gave Flick’s men a mountain to climb.
The Catalan giants were perhaps fortunate only to have conceded three considering Andrey Santos had a goal disallowed and Fernandez was twice denied by the video assistant referee – first for handball and then for offside.
The evening undoubtedly belonged to Estevao, who stole the limelight with another scintillating individual showing to further enhance his burgeoning reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the world game.
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The 18-year-old Brazilian became only the third teenager to score in each of his first three Champions League starts, following in the footsteps of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland, with his sublime 55th-minute effort in west London.
There were outstanding performances across the Blues’ starting XI, though, with Marc Cucurella receiving widespread praise for managing to keep Lamine Yamal quiet for the most part.
Fernandez agreed that Chelsea were deserved winners, but felt the away team shot themselves in the foot with their apparent defensive naivety on the night.
‘Their defensive line was too high for my liking,’ the Chelsea midfielder told Movistar Plus+.
‘We knew the spaces were there behind them and we were able to find our striker in space many times.
‘And that was also the plan we had prepared with Maresca.’
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Metro at the Match: Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
Metro’s Ben Fleming breaks down the action with the winners and losers from Stamford Bridge:
Neto impresses in new role
Given the start as the central striker with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap benched, Pedro Neto was a livewire up in attack. A lack of composure let him down at points, but deploying him centrally could be a great option to provide Estevao with more minutes from the start.
Estevao outshines Yamal
Only 18, but Estevao already looks like a man for the big occasion. A winner against Liverpool last month and now a sublime goal to virtually put this game to bed. The Brazilian easily won the battle of the teenage sensations.
Cucurella the cult hero
A faultless display from Cucurella at left-back. Provided plenty of support to Garnacho in the final third, and kept his fellow countryman Lamine Yamal quiet for virtually the entire 90 minutes. Revered by the fans who sang his name all night long.
Full Chelsea ratings: Sanchez 7, Gusto 6, Fofana 7, Chalobah 7, Cucurella 8.5, James 6, Caicedo 7, Estevao 9, Fernandez 6, Garnacho 6, Neto 7. Subs: Santos 7, Delap 6, Gittens N/A, Acheampong N/A, George N/A.
Yamal kept quiet
Lost his battle up against Cucurella and struggled to have any real impact on the game. Not helped by his side going down to ten men, but a visit to London to forget for the supremely talented teen, who made way to jeers from all four sides of Stamford Bridge.
Awful Araujo
The rank opposite of a captain’s display from Ronald Araujo. Picked up his first yellow for dissent and sent for an early bath before the half-time whistle for a clumsy challenge on Cucurella. Cost his team.
Full Barcelona ratings: Joan García 5, Kounde 6, Cubarsi 5, Araujo 3, Balde 5; Eric García 5, De Jong 6, Fermin 6, Yamal 5, Lewandowski 5, Ferran Torres 5. Subs: Rashford 5, Raphinha 5, Christensen 5, Martin N/A, Olmo N/A.
Fernandez’s comments echoed with those made by Alan Shearer, who was almost ‘lost for words’ at some of Barcelona’s ‘crazy’ defending on show at Stamford Bridge.
‘They keep on getting done time and time again. Nothing more than Chelsea deserve. They time it to perfection again,’ the ex-England and Newcastle striker said while on commentary duty for Amazon Prime.
‘I’ve seen some offside traps in my time, but this is absolutely crazy it really is.
‘It’s as if there’s four dummies just stood there and saying, “How do you want to do it guys?”
‘It’s hard to believe at times, I’m lost for words at how easy it’s been for Chelsea to get through and how crazy at times they’re playing it.’
Tuesday’s one-sided contest saw Chelsea rise to fifth in the Champions League group-stage standings, with Barcelona languishing down in 15th place after four games.
The Blues will look to take inspiration from their statement win when they return to Premier League action for what promises to be an enthralling London derby at home to Arsenal on Sunday.
Barca have the chance to respond in just three days’ time when they play host to Alaves in La Liga.
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