Chelsea delivered a stunning European performance on Tuesday night, securing a resounding 3-0 victory against Spanish giants FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge. While 18-year-old Willian Estevao captured attention with a goal, it was defender Marc Cucurella who received the highest plaudits for a near-flawless defensive masterclass.
Defensive Masterclass Silences Barcelona Threat
The highly anticipated match pitted two of football's most exciting young talents against each other: Chelsea's Estevao and Barcelona's Euro 2024 champion, Lamine Yamal. While Estevao shone with his third goal in as many Champions League games, the foundation for the win was built on a rock-solid defensive display from Marc Cucurella.
The Spanish full-back, familiar with Yamal from national team duties, was tasked with nullifying the winger's threat. Cucurella executed his role to perfection, looking entirely comfortable against Yamal's trickery and effectively locking down Chelsea's left flank.
The Express rated his performance a 9/10, noting that he not only posed a danger with his crossing but also managed the huge achievement of keeping Yamal quiet in the final third.
Rooney's Rave Reviews for 'Serious Player'
Premier League legend Wayne Rooney was effusive in his praise for the 27-year-old during post-match analysis. Rooney suggested that training daily with the prodigious Estevao had been the perfect preparation for facing Yamal.
"Estevao has probably given Cucurella the best lessons in training that he could have in dealing with Lamine Yamal," Rooney said. He went even further, stating, "Cucurella was absolutely incredible. I think it's probably the best performance I've seen from a left-back for a long, long time. To do that tonight, what he did, he's a serious player."
This season, Cucurella has cemented his status as one of Chelsea's most reliable performers. He has started all but one Premier League match, coming on at half-time in the sole fixture he was initially left out of the starting eleven.
'Hush Hush' Contract Extension Secures Chelsea's Future
Chelsea initially signed Cucurella from Brighton in August 2022 for a fee of £63 million, on a six-year contract set to expire in 2028. His impressive form this season had potentially raised concerns among supporters about interest from other clubs.
However, those fears can now be put to rest. It has been revealed that Cucurella signed an improved contract with the club this past summer. Surprisingly, the deal was kept somewhat 'hush hush' by Chelsea, with no official announcement made.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the news, stating on YouTube: "I can confirm that Cucurella signed an improved contract in August. It was never announced but I can confirm Cucurella is on an improved contract."
The player himself acknowledged the new deal after Chelsea's 5-1 win over West Ham in August, saying, "Yes, it's done. We already did it. I'm very happy, the club gave me the confidence and I'm very happy to be here. Hopefully I will have a great year." The length of this new contract remains undisclosed.
