Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has openly criticised the tactical approach of Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, pinpointing what he described as a fatal defensive error during Chelsea's emphatic 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. The result marks one of the most impressive nights of Enzo Maresca's tenure, with goals from Estevao and Liam Delap sealing the win after an early Jules Kounde own goal.
A Night of Tactical Superiority for Chelsea
The match was defined by Chelsea's ruthless exploitation of Barcelona's persistently high defensive line. Fernandez, speaking to Movistar Plus+ after the game, confirmed this was a deliberate part of Chelsea's strategy. ‘Their defensive line was too high for my liking,’ the Argentine international stated. ‘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.’
Barcelona's troubles were compounded just before half-time when captain Ronald Araujo was sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving his team with a mountain to climb. The Catalan side was fortunate not to concede more, with Andrey Santos having a goal disallowed and Fernandez himself denied twice by the Video Assistant Referee.
Estevao Shines on the European Stage
The evening belonged to Chelsea's 18-year-old Brazilian sensation, Estevao. His sublime 55th-minute strike made him only the third teenager ever to score in each of his first three Champions League starts, following in the footsteps of global superstars Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. His scintillating individual performance further cemented his reputation as one of world football's most exciting young talents.
However, it was a true team effort. Marc Cucurella delivered a faultless display at left-back, successfully neutralising the threat of Barcelona's own teenage prodigy, Lamine Yamal, for the majority of the match. The performance was so commanding that Yamal was substituted to jeers from the home crowd.
Shearer's Scathing Analysis
Fernandez's post-match assessment was echoed by Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who was on commentary duty for Amazon Prime. Shearer was left almost speechless by Barcelona's defensive naivety. ‘I’ve seen some offside traps in my time, but this is absolutely crazy it really is,’ he exclaimed. ‘It’s as if there’s four dummies just stood there and saying, “How do you want to do it guys?” I’m lost for words at how easy it’s been for Chelsea to get through.’
Champions League Fallout and Looking Ahead
The decisive victory sees Chelsea rise to fifth in the Champions League group standings, while Barcelona languish in a disappointing 15th place after four games. The Blues will now look to carry this momentum into a crucial London derby against Arsenal in the Premier League this Sunday.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have little time to dwell on the defeat, as they return to La Liga action in just three days' time with a home fixture against Alaves. The pressure will be on Hansi Flick to orchestrate a swift response and address the glaring tactical vulnerabilities exposed so ruthlessly by Chelsea.
