Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca claimed that his team’s effective strategy helped them defeat Barcelona 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
Chelsea put up one of their most assured performances of the season following a disappointing draw with Qarabag. After Jules Kounde’s own goal in the first half set the tone, Ronald Araujo’s dismissal made Barcelona’s job much more difficult.
After the break, Chelsea reportedly increased their lead, with goals from Willian Estevao and Liam Delap securing an unforgettable win.
Limiting Barcelona’s time on the ball was crucial to the strategy, Maresca underlined in a post-match interview.
“Barcelona is a team that feels at ease with the ball,” Maresca remarked.
They don’t feel comfortable without the ball, therefore we made an effort to keep it.
“The team was playing well, so even in 11v11, I felt great.”
Estevao, who has grown more self-assured since joining the team, was also praised by the Italian. The Brazilian once again made an impression with both his goal and the maturity he shown in the background.
“Estevao seems like a traditional guy. “He doesn’t spend a lot of time on social media or on his phone,” Maresca told Sky Sports.
“He is a straightforward, typical child who works hard. I cherish that. His family is present at all times.
“He is a typical guy, but he is a unique player.”
Estevao will now try to maintain his current level of play when Chelsea returns their attention to the Premier League, where they will play a challenging match against Arsenal this coming weekend.
