Chelsea produced a commanding performance at Stamford Bridge, dismantling Ajax 5–1 in a one-sided Champions League encounter that showcased the brilliance of Brazilian teenager Estêvão.
Despite making ten changes from the side that defeated Nottingham Forest at the weekend, manager Enzo Maresca saw his young squad deliver a sparkling display that left the Dutch visitors in disarray.
Ajax, a shadow of the team that famously drew 4–4 at the Bridge six years ago, endured a miserable night made worse when captain Kenneth Taylor was shown a straight red card after just 17 minutes for a reckless challenge on Facundo Buonanotte. From that moment, Chelsea seized total control.
Moments after the dismissal, 19-year-old striker Marc Guiu marked his first start of the season by turning in Wesley Fofana’s knockdown to open the scoring. Moises Caicedo doubled the lead soon after, his long-range effort taking a deflection off Josip Sutalo to beat goalkeeper Remko Pasveer at the near post.
Ajax briefly threatened a comeback when Wout Weghorst converted a penalty following Tosin Adarabioyo’s foul, but their resistance quickly crumbled. Weghorst’s relief was short-lived as he later conceded a penalty for a clumsy tackle on Enzo Fernández, who coolly restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion from the spot.
In stoppage time, Youri Baas brought down Estêvão inside the box, giving the 18-year-old a chance to crown his exceptional first-half performance. The Brazilian showed no nerves, rifling his penalty into the top corner to register his first European goal in emphatic fashion.
The youthful energy of Chelsea’s lineup continued to shine after the interval. Nineteen-year-old Tyrique George added a fifth with a deflected effort just minutes into the second half, completing a night that will long be remembered for its attacking flair and youthful exuberance.
For Maresca, the result provided a much-needed boost after questions over discipline in recent matches, while Ajax were left to reflect on one of their most humbling European nights.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
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