Football legend Wayne Rooney has delivered a stunning verdict on Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella, labelling his performance in the Blues' 3-0 Champions League demolition of Barcelona as the best he has seen from a left-back in a 'long, long time'.
The emphatic victory at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, was a memorable night for Chelsea, with teenage sensation Estevao shining brightly. The win, which saw Barcelona reduced to ten men before half-time, propelled Enzo Maresca's side up to fifth in their group table.
Cucurella's Defensive Masterclass
While 18-year-old Estevao captured headlines with a sublime individual goal, it was Cucurella's defensive masterclass that earned the most effusive praise from pundits. The Spanish left-back was tasked with containing his fellow countryman, the highly-rated Lamine Yamal, and he executed the job flawlessly, keeping the Barcelona winger quiet throughout the contest.
Cucurella's influence was also pivotal in the game's major turning point. On the stroke of half-time, he drew a clumsy foul from Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo, who was subsequently shown a second yellow card, reducing the Catalan giants to ten men.
Analysing the one-sided European tie for Amazon Prime, Rooney was left in awe of the defender's contribution. 'Cucurella was absolutely incredible,' the former England captain stated. '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.'
Estevao Steals the Show in Attack
The night, however, belonged to Chelsea's emerging Brazilian star, Estevao. After Jules Kounde had fired into his own net to give Chelsea the lead, the teenager doubled the advantage with a moment of pure brilliance in the 55th minute.
Picking up the ball on the right flank, Estevao danced past defender Pau Cubarsi on the edge of the penalty area before ruthlessly arrowing the ball into the roof of the net from a seemingly impossible angle. The goal sent the Stamford Bridge faithful into raptures, who later taunted Yamal with chants of 'You’re just a s*** Estevao'.
Substitute Liam Delap then put the result beyond any doubt, adding a third goal with 17 minutes of normal time remaining to seal a comprehensive 3-0 victory.
Rooney's Insight on Chelsea's Training Ground Edge
Rooney went on to suggest that the daily challenge of facing elite attackers like Estevao, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro in training is what prepares a defender like Cucurella for such high-pressure occasions.
'It always helped me,' Rooney explained, drawing from his own playing experience. 'When you’re playing against top-class defenders every day in training, in small spaces, you have to think quick on your feet. Normally, training is the hardest opposition you have and it makes games a lot easier. I think for Cucurella tonight, he’s had good preparation for this game.'
He also reserved significant praise for Estevao's mature display, highlighting the youngster's decision-making and work rate. 'Nights like tonight will give him a lot of confidence,' Rooney said. 'His decisions to drive with the ball, decisions to run off the ball, to play inside, one touch, but also, defensively, his work-rate was very good as well. If he keeps doing what he’s doing then he’ll give the manager no option but to play him in every game.'
The resounding win marks a significant statement from Chelsea in this season's Champions League, with individual performances from both established stars and rising talents pointing towards a bright future under Enzo Maresca.
