Estêvão’s delight at ‘perfect night’ after Chelsea teenager helps see off Barcelona | Chelsea

Estêvão Willian relished the largest night time of his brief profession after powering Chelsea to a 3-0 victory in opposition to Barcelona within the Champions League with a particular solo purpose.

The 18-year-old Brazilian struggled to make sense of his feelings after a particular night time at Stamford Bridge. Estêvão, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras for £52m final summer time, convincingly received his battle with Barca’s Lamine Yamal and stole the limelight when he put Enzo Maresca’s aspect 2-0 up early within the second half.

“I don’t actually have any phrases,” the Chelsea winger stated. “It was the proper night time. It was all very fast. It was such a particular purpose in my profession for me and I hope to attain many extra.

“It was probably the most particular second of my profession. I’m so joyful my household had been right here. From the second I arrived I felt such a connection for the followers. I’m so joyful I can rating for them and make them joyful.”

Estêvão is simply the third teenager – after Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé – to attain in every of his first three Champions League begins. However Maresca, whose aspect rose to fifth within the standings, sought to minimize comparisons with Lionel Messi.

“Estêvão must loosen up, get pleasure from his soccer,” Chelsea’s head coach stated. “Him and Lamine, should you begin to speak about Messi and Ronaldo, it’s an excessive amount of stress for younger boys like them. It’s an excessive amount of for them.”

Chelsea took the lead via an own-goal from Jules Koundé and rounded off the scoring via Liam Delap. Barça had been outplayed and had been diminished to 10 males when Ronald Araújo acquired a second yellow simply earlier than half-time.

Chelsea are unbeaten in six matches in all competitions earlier than internet hosting Arsenal on Sunday. Maresca plans to provide his gamers two days off earlier than ramping up preparations for the Premier League pacesetters.

“I advised the gamers to change off within the subsequent 48 hours, have a relaxation, after which on Sunday we now have Arsenal,” the Italian stated. “From Friday, we begin to consider Arsenal. We have to preserve the momentum. It’s a lot simpler to recuperate power whenever you win video games.”