Estevao Outshines Lamine Yamal to Show Why He Is Chelsea’s Exceptional Gem

Every action Lamine Yamal executes radiates quality. On occasions where he is walking about seeming downcast, which he demonstrated frequently at Stamford Bridge, he does it with the casual style of a superstar. He softly controls the ball rather than hitting it, creating impressive power from limited back-lift. He operates on the balls of his feet, constantly vigilant, always able to go either way. He slides rather than dashes, but does so at speed. He has already ended up as second place in the Ballon d’Or. But he was not the best 18-year-old right-flank forward on the pitch on Tuesday, not even close.

Rising Star Estêvão Leaves His Mark

In Estêvão, signed from Palmeiras for a fee that could increase to £52m, Chelsea have recruited a player who could evolve as one of the elite. He has been making more and more of an influence since getting the last-minute winner against Liverpool last month. His previous four starts for Chelsea have yielded four goals, and he also found the net in both of Brazil’s friendlies during the international break. It’s just the beginning, but Brazil may eventually have discovered the player they desperately wanted to have secured in Neymar.

Estêvão wonder goal lights up Chelsea’s impressive win over 10-man Barcelona

Estêvão’s goal, scored after 55 minutes to absolutely seal a win that hadn’t truly been in doubt from the moment the Barcelona captain was red-carded just before half-time, was a classic. In part, it was about Chelsea retrieving the ball back and a teammate's pass, but primarily it was about the Brazilian darting at terrifying speed, dummying left and right, brushing off markers and hammering a shot high past the goalkeeper.

Head-to-Head Battle and Physical Superiority

The slogan of “You’re just a inferior Estevao,” directed at Lamine Yamal may have been exaggeratedly harsh on the Spaniard, and may not have scanned, but there was no disputing which of the two had triumphed.

Estevao is 80 days older and has played 22 games fewer but at the moment he looks a more durable player – and consistent Premier League experience is only likely to enhance that.

It’s been a characteristic of the Champions League this season just how much of a athletic edge Premier League teams have over their European rivals. Liverpool have had issues physically in the Premier League this season but outpowered Real Madrid. Newcastle beat Athletic Bilbao essentially by having some larger blokes to attack balls in the box.

And Chelsea, after some shaky moments in the opening quarter, by the middle point of the first half had asserted their authority on Barcelona. The ploy of using Pedro Neto and his pace through the middle was emphatically vindicated.

Set-Piece Mastery and Backline Strength

The initial strike had felt approaching for at least five minutes before it came. It was no big surprise it came from a set-piece, an area of the game in which it seems like Premier League clubs are competing with gems while the rest of the world is still using conkers. Barcelona can’t score a regular own goal, of course, but have to adorn it with a one-two in a tight space and a backheel nutmeg. However elaborate the finish, though, the cause was a slick interchange from a corner that generated space for a Chelsea player to cross for Enzo Fernández.

But the edge doesn’t just appear from an goal-scoring point of view. Lamine Yamal got the better of Marc Cucurella only occasionally and seemed at times surprised, perhaps even discouraged by a couple of tackles.

That annoyance would have significant consequences as it led to Lamine Yamal plunging over the defender's leg in an attempt to win a free-kick, which in turn led to the Barcelona captain being cautioned for his protests. When the defender – was he still seething? Mindful of his side’s shortcomings? Outmaneuvered? – dived at Cucurella a few minutes later the result was certain and effectively settled the game.

Game Plan Contrasts and Closing Result

Perhaps Barcelona could have defended deeply, shielded in a low block and tried to grab something on the break, as Everton had done at Manchester United on Monday, but it’s hard to imagine two managers more diverse in attitude than David Moyes and the Barcelona coach.

A team set up to defend with a line as high as Barcelona’s really has no escape when they are cut down to 10. They retreated a bit, but Chelsea still kept advancing into the space behind the back line, got a third from a substitute and, if they’d truly needed to, could probably have notched a couple more.

It’s only the opening round and things can shift in the spring as built-up fatigue begins to weaken at English sides but the trend of Premier League dominance through pace and strength is clear.

Lamine Yamal was substituted with 10 minutes remaining, strolling to the bench with a sense of rueful acceptance, followed by a few of half-hearted jeers. But there was no need to goad him; the fight was already finished and conclusively so. Estêvão, the undeniable victor, left the pitch to a enthusiastic ovation three minutes later. His were the praises, and Chelsea’s the win.