Chelsea secured a commanding 3-0 Champions League victory over 10-man Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Jules Kounde (OG), Estevao, and Liam Delap, boosting confidence for their upcoming Arsenal derby.
According to a report from SI.com’s Absolute Chelsea, Chelsea delivered a dominant 3-0 performance against 10-man Barcelona on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
The match, which promised to be an “end-to-end affair,” saw the Blues assert their control early, though they saw two goals disallowed in the opening half, both scored by Enzo Fernandez, due to a handball and a subsequent offside call.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 27th minute when former target Jules Kounde put the ball into the back of his own net. The goal followed a well-worked short corner and a “sublime backheel” from Pedro Neto.
Barcelona’s night worsened before the break when defender Ronald Araujo was sent off for two bookable offenses, including a late challenge on the impressive Marc Cucurella.
The second half saw the hosts’ brilliant performance continue. Brazilian talent Estevao doubled the lead, scoring his third Champions League goal in his third start by expertly beating two defenders and firing home.
Substitute Liam Delap then added the third goal, firing into an open net after a successful VAR check overturned an initial offside call.
The dominant win gives Enzo Maresca’s side “increased confidence heading into a London derby against Arsenal at the weekend.”