Chelsea’s 18-year-old wonderkid Estevao lit up their 3-0 win over Barcelona with a stunning goal as the Blues made a Champions League statement with their biggest ever win against their Catalan rivals.
Estevao dribbled past Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi before thumping an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to score the second of Chelsea’s goals and the pick of the bunch. The Brazilian won his battle with Barcelona’s own 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal, and joined Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland by becoming just the third teenager to score in his first three Champions League appearances.
Barcelona’s chances were heavily dented by Ronald Araujo’s rash sending off on the stroke of half-time, with the centre-back dismissed for a wild lunge on Marc Cucurella while on a yellow card. Pedro Neto had scrambled Chelsea into a deserved lead, on a night where Enzo Maresca’s side also had three goals disallowed, with Enzo Fernandez twice denied by first a handball and then an offside.
But Chelsea finally beat Barcelona’s high-line and bold offside trap as Fernandez squared for Liam Delap to add the third, a result that takes Chelsea into the top-eight of the Champions League league standings.
Follow reaction from Chelsea v Barcelona below:
Chelsea v Barcelona live: Latest Champions League updates
- FULL TIME! Chelsea beat Barcelona 3-0 as Estevao lights up win
- 18-year-old scores stunning individual goal against 10-man visitors
- Neto and Delap also scored as Araujo sent off for Barcelona
- 76' GOAL! Chelsea beat offside trap as Liam Delap adds third [CHE 3-0 BAR]
- 54' GOAL! Estevao lights up game to double Chelsea's lead at last [CHE 2-0 BAR]
- 45' RED CARD! Aruajo sent off for wild challenge as Barcelona down to 10 [CHE 1-0 BAR]
- 28' GOAL! Third time lucky as Neto scrambles in opener via Kounde touch [CHE 1-0 BAR]
Estevao on his goal against Barcelona
07:00 , Jamie Braidwood"It all happened very quickly for me, it sort of happened before I knew it. I just found some space, wiggled my way through and then scored that goal. It was such a special moment for me in my career. I hope to score many more.
"It was definitely the best moment of my career so far. I want to score many more for many years. I'm so grateful that my family were here watching me."
Estevao outshines Lamine Yamal and conjures Messi memories as Chelsea crush Barcelona in Champions League
07:00 , Lawrence Ostlere, at Stamford BridgeLamine Yamal and Estevao are both 18, both possess a magical left foot and both are already at home on the Champions League stage. They have another thing in common: Yamal has spent most of his young life being compared to Lionel Messi, pre-ordained as Barcelona’s next legendary figure at only 14 years old; Estevao was dubbed “Messinho” when he first emerged at Brazilian club Palmeiras.
Both have understandably tried to shun the comparison and yet there were flickers of a famous Messi goal here at Stamford Bridge.
Estevao outshines Yamal and conjures Messi memories as Chelsea crush Barcelona
In pics: Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
06:00 , Chris Wilson
Champions League fixtures
05:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s a list of today’s Champions League fixtures then:
Pafos vs Monaco - 5.45pm
Copenhagen vs Kairat - 5.45pm
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Liverpool vs PSV
PSG vs Tottenham
Olympiacos vs Real Madrid
Sporting vs Club Brugge
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Atalanta
Atletico Madrid vs Inter
Match stats
04:00 , Chris WilsonEstêvão (18y 215d) is the third teenager to score in each of his first three Champions League starts, after Kylian Mbappé (18y 113d) and Erling Haaland (19y 107d).
Match stats
03:00 , Chris WilsonThe win last night means the Blues have earned their biggest margin of victory over Barcelona in the Champions League while becoming just the third side to beat them at least five times in the competition after Bayern Munich (10) and Paris Saint-Germain (6).
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang punishes Nick Pope to steal Champions League win from Newcastle
02:00 , Chris WilsonAnd the report from Newcastle’s loss...
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang dented Newcastle’s Champions Leaguecharge as Marseille came from behind to claim their second win of the campaign.
The Magpies led 1-0 at the Velodrome courtesy of Harvey Barnes’ sixth-minute opener, his third goal in four days after his match-winning double against Manchester City, and were good value for it.
However, they were undone inside five second half minutes when 36-year-old former Arsenal frontman Aubameyang first capitalised on an error by goalkeeper Nick Pope to level and then stabbed the Ligue 1 side ahead amid a much-improved display to snatch a 2-1 victory.
Aubameyang punishes Pope to steal Champions League win from Newcastle
Pep Guardiola’s milestone Champions League night falls flat and he only has himself to blame
01:00 , Chris WilsonThe report from City’s loss to Leverkusen...
There are ways to bring up a century. This was scarcely the most fitting. Pep Guardiola’s 100th Champions League game in charge of Manchester City ranked as one of the worst. And for that, he really only has himself to blame.
City were beaten by managerial complacency and their own lacklustre display as well as by a rather impressive Bayer Leverkusen side. As the teams third in the Premier League and the Bundesliga met, Guardiola picked his second-string side. They came off second best. It was a gamble that backfired, and one that felt all the odder as their next fixture is against out-of-form Leeds. Did he really rest his regulars just for a relegation-threatened team? Because the consequences of a shock setback could involve a spot in the knockout play-off round that City had looked on course to bypass.
Pep Guardiola’s milestone night falls flat and he only has himself to blame
Champions League fixtures
00:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s a list of tomorrow’s Champions League fixtures then:
Pafos vs Monaco - 5.45pm
Copenhagen vs Kairat - 5.45pm
Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
Liverpool vs PSV
PSG vs Tottenham
Olympiacos vs Real Madrid
Sporting vs Club Brugge
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Atalanta
Atletico Madrid vs Inter
'It has been an incredible night'
23:40 , Chris WilsonChelsea defender Wesley Fofana had this to say to Amazon after full-time:
"It has been an incredible night. We played very well and we stuck to the plan the manager explained to us. We just follow the manager's instructions because we trust him. We know Barcelona play very high so we tried to play with this in mind. We are very happy."
'Estevao can be fantastic to finish the game'
23:20 , Chris WilsonPortugal boss Roberto Martinez was a guest on Amazon, and he had this to say about Estevao:
“Nowadays with the five substitutions you can plan for players to start the game and players to finish the game. Gone are the days where you had a starting XI and that was how you are going to win the game. It is not like that.
“A confident Estevao can be fantastic to finish the game, the same way that having players like Pedro Neto (up front). To play Barcelona and play Arsenal is the best opportunity to be at their best. He has players full of confidence, the choice will always help Chelsea to have the best performance against Arsenal,” he added.
Flick reacts
23:05 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Barcelona boss Hansi Flick had to say:
“I think we started well, had a big chance, then at the end we had a red card. It’s not easy against a really good team with one player left.
“It’s not like that. We defended well but one problem was that we lost too many balls, we’d make an easy pass and lose the ball.
“But I’m positive, about how we played in the second half, how we defended together. We learned from this and we accept defeat.
“It’s more difficult now, but anything is possible,” he says regarding automatic qualification.
Maresca reacts
22:55 , Chris WilsonChelsea boss Enzo Maresca calls it “a good win”, which seems an understatement!
“To be honest, no more than that in terms of, we knew how important it was. When you beat Barcelona it’s always nice, we’re happy today.
“I think Barcelona is a team that, if they have the ball they feel comfortable. If not, they don’t, so we tried to keep the ball in the same way we try all season. Even with 11v11, my feeling was very good.
“The defensive part is always important, you need a balance, we’re fortunate in the last month we finished games with a clean sheet, which is something you need to do if you want to achieve things.
On Estevao: “18, from Brazil, against Barcelona, huge night for him. Huge night for all the club, the fans, it’s been very nice.
“I think winning the Club World Cup has been very important for players in terms of confidence, they realised they can win games against any team. If you want to build a winning mentality you need to win games. This is exactly the same. Time to think about Arsenal!”
Estevao outshines Lamine Yamal and conjures Messi memories as Chelsea crush Barcelona in Champions League
22:42 , Lawrence Ostlere, at Stamford BridgeLamine Yamal and Estevao are both 18, both possess a magical left foot and both are already at home on the Champions League stage. They have another thing in common: Yamal has spent most of his young life being compared to Lionel Messi, pre-ordained as Barcelona’s next legendary figure at only 14 years old; Estevao was dubbed “Messinho” when he first emerged at Brazilian club Palmeiras.
Both have understandably tried to shun the comparison and yet there were flickers of a famous Messi goal here at Stamford Bridge. Estevao still had defenders to beat when he received the ball in the inside-right channel 30 yards from goal. What he did next will be remembered for a long time by those who witnessed it, drawing Pau Cubarsi towards him before shimmying around the defender’s legs, holding off Alejandro Balde and crashing a right-footed shot into the roof of the net.
Estevao outshines Yamal and conjures Messi memories as Chelsea crush Barcelona
Delap: 'It's a special one'
22:36 , Chris Wilson“It's a special one, we worked so hard to get everything right and we did,” says Chelsea striker Liam Delap on Amazon.
“It was a team effort, everyone stuck to the gameplan, everyone worked hard, won their battles on the pitch, we executed it better than them,” he explains.
“No, sometimes the linesman gives it but who knows!” he replies when asked if he knew he was onside.
“Like you said, I came here for moments like this, and I’m really happy.
On Estevao, he says: “He’s incredible, got the world at his feet, if he keeps grounded, he can be anything he wants to be.”
“For sure, we know we’ve got quality, we’ve got so much belief and confidence in ourselfves, and were getting better every week. We knew we had to win tonight, and we did,” he adds as he finishes.
Zola speaks on Estevao
22:26 , Chris WilsonSpeaking on Amazon Prime, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has this to say on Estevao:
“It is right to give Estevao a little bit of space to keep growing. He is doing very well but he has a lot of ground to cover in my opinion.
“The more he plays, the more physically, he will be stronger. And he will read the game better. All those things come with experience and I think that he is promising to become a very, very important player,” he explains.
The Italian adds that he admires the youngsters bravery and willingness to make something happen when he has the ball.
Estevao: 'It was the perfect night'
22:15 , Chris WilsonStar man Estevao is first to speak to Amazon Prime, and he calls it “the perfect night”.
"I don't really have any words to sum up how I'm feeling right now. It really was the perfect night. I'm just grateful to God for everything that has happened for me. Onwards and upwards from here."
On his goal, he says: "It all happened very quickly for me, it sort of happened before I knew it. I just found some space, wiggled my way through and then scored that goal. It was such a special moment for me in my career. I hope to score many more.
"It was definitely the best moment of my career so far. I want to score many more for many years. I'm so grateful that my family were here watching me."
"From the moment I arrived here, I felt such a connection with the fans. I'm just so happy that I could score for them and make them happy. I hope to keep making them happy and score more goals for them,” he added.
Champions League results
22:10 , Chris WilsonThere have been some shocks in the competition tonight, so here’s a full list of the results:
Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
Man City 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Marseille 2-1 Newcastle
Napoli 2-0 Qarabag
Slavit Praha 0-0 Bilbao
Dortmund 4-0 Villarreal
Bodo/Glimt 2-3 Juventus
Ajax 0-2 Benfica
Galatasaray 0-1 Union SG
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
22:04 , Chris WilsonChelsea move up to fourth in the league phase table, with 10 points (though some teams are still to play tomorrow).
There are three games left in the group phase, so they’re well-positioned to take a place in the top eight and earn an automatic spot in the knockout rounds.
As for Barcelona, they are in 15th with seven points, and they may be forced to play in the knockout phase play-offs.
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:56 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:54 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and Chelsea have a huge win after a famous night under the Stamford Bridge lights.
Almost the perfect night for the Blues, who take a hug step towards automatic qualification for the knockout rounds.
Estevao’s goal is the highlight but the Blues were superb throughout, with every player putting in a great display to grab a famous result agains their old European rivals.
Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:52 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
Time for an other chance as Gittens clips a cross towards the back post, but Delap and co. can’t turn it in.
Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:50 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of three added minutes as Chelsea close in on a famous win.
Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:49 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Okay, now it’s winding down. It’s simply a keep-ball exercise for both sides now as we approach the end of normal time.
Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:45 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Chelsea are approaching a famous win here but they aren't letting up, clearly looking for another goal this evening. The fans are relishing what has been a superb performance from the off.
Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:41 , Chris Wilson82 mins
Huge cheers around the Bridge as Yamal and Balde come off for Gerard Martín and Dani Olmo.
Moments later, Sanchez makes a good save low down to his right.
Chelsea respond with changes of their own, with Estevao and James coming off for Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong.
Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:38 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Another chance for the Blues as Delap latches onto the through ball before crossing well to Estevao. The Brazilian lays it off to Fernandez and his shot forces Garcia into a simple save.
GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona
21:34 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Another one disallowed! This could be onside though...
IT’S GIVEN!
They make it look very easy too, as Neto slips a pass into the path of Fernandez. He is 2-v-1 with Garcia, alongside Delap, and he simply squares it to the Englishman, who finds an impressive finish into the corner.
The commentary team is bewildered by this Barcelona high line!
Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona
21:29 , Chris Wilson69 mins
CLOSE! Brilliant running from Neto, who burns Cubarsi outside when 1-v-1 before driving into the box and forcing a save from Garcia, who concedes a corner.
Fofana has a swing from the corner but it flies wide.
Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona
21:26 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Still pretty dominant from Chelsea, who are making plenty of use of their extra man at the moment. They’ve been confident in possession and still look dangerous when they do get forward.
Barcelona are knocking it around their own half well but they continue to stutter once in the opposition half.
Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona
21:21 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Two more changes for Barcelona as Raphinha and Andreas Christensen come on for Lopez and Lewandowski.
Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona
21:19 , Chris Wilson60 mins
The next Chelsea change sees Garnacho come off for Liam Delap, with Neto presumably moving back out wide.
The Blues win a free-kick right on the right-hand touchline but the cross has too much on it.
'A magnificent goal'
21:17 , Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford BridgeSome reaction to that stunning goal, from Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford Bridge:
“Where Lamine Yamal has struggled against Cucurella, the other 18-year-old wonderkid on this pitch has been outstanding all evening. That was a magnificent goal by Estevao and Stamford Bridge is deafening now.”
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona
21:15 , Chris Wilson55 mins
GOAL! What a goal this is, and it’s Estevao!
This is superb from the youngster, who receives the ball on the right around 25 yards out.
He opts to run at Cubarsi and skips past him easily in the area, also avoiding the challenge of Balde, before blasting an effort over Garcia to double the lead!
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
21:12 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Moments after the goal was disallowed, Cucurella went into the book for a foul on Yamal. Perhaps a little harsh.
Chelsea boss Enzo Mareaca is also yellow carded for his protestations.
At the other end, the Blues fizz it forward and win a corner.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
21:11 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Andrey Santos has the ball in the net but it’s disallowed AGAIN!
It all comes from good work form Garnacho, who got down the left and cut back the ball for Santos, who squeezed an effort past Garcia. However, Garnacho had strayed offside in the build-up.
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
21:07 , Chris Wilson47 mins
An early foul on Fernandez from de Jong, and James can deliver a ball into the box.
He opts not too though, with Estevao taking possession before the Blues are forced backwards.
All Chelsea in the opening stages of the second half though.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
21:04 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Stamford Bridge!
Both sides have made changes too, with Marcus Rashford coming on for Torres for the visitors, while Andrey Santos replaces Gusto for Chelsea. (with James moving back to full-back).
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
21:02 , Chris WilsonIt’s been a brilliant half from the Blues and Enzo Maresca will be delighted, but they will still feel that they need that second goal tonight.
However, they’ll also feel they can easily get it, having dominated plenty of this match, and they limited Barca to very little after that Torres chance.
The Blues looked consistently dangerous in attack and comfortable in defence, so it’ll be interesting to see what happens in the second half.
Interestingly, Marcus Rashford is warming up at the break.
We’ll be back underway shortly.
'Senseless stuff'
20:58 , Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford BridgeSome reaction to the red card from Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford Bridge:
“Araujo got a high-five from his manager as he walked down the tunnel and I've no idea why. That was senseless stuff on a yellow card, a real clattering nowhere near the ball. It caps an excellent 45 minutes for Chelsea.”
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:55 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:49 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the half to an end and it’s a dream start for the hosts!
Chelsea go into the break with a one-goal lead and a one-man advantage, with the Blues having produced a superb first-half showing at the Bridge.
While Ferran Torres was guilty of missing a sitter for the visitors, Chelsea could well be three up here after seeing two of their own goals disallowed!
It promises to be an intriguing second half in the capital.
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:47 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Into the first of two minutes of added time! Enzo Maresca will be absolutely delighted with this first half.
RED CARD! Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:46 , Chris Wilson44 mins
RED CARD! It’s a blatant second yellow for Ronald Araujo!
A poor challenge from the Uruguayan, but it comes from some slick midfield play from the hosts, who work it forward well to Cucurella before the defender nicks it away from Araujo and the Barca man clatters into him!
Nowhere near the ball, and what an opportunity this is for the Blues!
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:42 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Now Gusto goes into the book for dragging back Balde. Moments later, the Frenchman requires attention after wing the ball in a challenge with Lewandowski, so there’s a break in play.
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:40 , Chris Wilson38 mins
A spell of Barcelona possession goes nowhere, and while the Blaugrana are keeping the ball well at times, they’re attacking really hasn't clicked at all tonight.
Conversely, Chelsea look dangerous every time they go forward, though Fernandez is the latest to be penalised for offside.
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:36 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Barcelona do have half a chance as the ball falls to Yamal in the area, but the youngster fires a tame effort right at Sanchez. Moments later, he’s unable to get the better of Cucurella in the box either.
At the other end, Chelsea think they go close, with Garnacho seeing an effort tipped wide, but the flag went up for offside.
'Chelsea fully deserve their lead'
20:35 , Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford BridgeThe latest reaction from Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford Bridge:
“A scrappy goal, but Chelsea fully deserve their lead after dominating the past 15 minutes or so. They’ve pressed very Barca effectively and exploited the visitors’ high line with some quick balls over the top. There are bound to be more goals in this one...”
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:34 , Chris Wilson32 mins
The first yellow of the day comes for Araujo, for dissent. Barcelona are looking to settle in possession again but they can't find the gaps in the Chelsea midfield or defence for now.
Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:31 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Another Chelsea attack leads to a couple of shooting chances, with Garnacho seeing an effort blocked before James fires narrowly over.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona
20:30 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Third time lucky! The Blues have the lead after a clever short corner routine!
They work it short and it’s slipped back to Cucurella on the right of the area. He manages to get to the byline and cut a cross in for Pedro Neto, who flicks the ball goalwards.
It’s blocked on the line but Kounde can’t get it out of his feet and it goes into the back of the net off the Frenchman!
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:28 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Chelsea are knocking on the door! Garnacho gets in behind and cuts the pass back to Fernandez, whose wayward shot is deflected over for a corner.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:26 , Chris Wilson24 mins
CLOSE! Better from the Blues again as a through ball unlocks the Barcelona defence and Neto goes racing through into the box. His touch takes him a little wide though and he’s off-balance as he fires over.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:25 , Chris Wilson22 mins
Chelsea have the ball in the net again but the offside flag goes up! This one needs a check, as Fernandez was onside originally, but it’s unclear if it took a touch off the Chelsea player beforehand.
A sloppy Kounde challenge on Garnacho gives the hosts a free-kick on the left-hand edge of the box, around 20 yards out.
Estevao swings it in and it’s a lovely ball in, with Chalobah nudging it on at the near post and Fernandez crashing it in at the back post.
Replays show Chalobah did indeed touch it though, so it’s disallowed.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:21 , Chris Wilson19 mins
The trademark Caicedo tackle comes on the edge of the box to prevent a shooting chance – or through ball option - for Lopez, with the Ecuadorian perfectly timing a lunge from behind around the Barca man to dispossess him. A superb challenge.
It almost helps Chelsea to a goalscoring opportunity too as moments later the long ball is played towards Neto and Estevao, but Garcia was alert to it and is off his line to clear.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:17 , Chris Wilson16 mins
Alert defending from Sanchez as he races out of the box to clear a clipped pass from Lewnadowski. Lopez stays down but it was a clean challenge.
The visitors are starting to control possession but Chelsea won’t necessarily mind that.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:14 , Chris Wilson13 mins
Half a chance for the visitors as they counter before Lopez tries to get onto the end of a diagonal ball in from Yamal, but he can’t make clean contact with it under pressure from Chalobah. Decent defending that.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:11 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Early signs suggest both sides will have plenty of chances here, with Chelsea seeing Garnacho’s cross blocked before Gusto blocks a ball into the Chelsea box.
Pedro Neto is already being used as an outlet with the long pass when necessary too.
'Shocking miss'
20:09 , Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford BridgeThe latest reaction from Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford Bridge:
“Shocking miss. The Barca bench beneath us leapt off their feet in anticipation, and hands were on heads in disbelief when the ball bounced wide. Frantic stuff so far – I’m not sure anyone is keeping a clean sheet tonight.”
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:08 , Chris Wilson6 mins
CLOSE! Oh my word, is this an incredible miss! How are Barcelona not ahead?
The hosts lose possession just outside of their own area – playing themselves into trouble when trying to play out from the back – and it’s quickly knocked to Torres, who is unmarked around 12 yards out. He opens his body to try and find the far corner but he blasts wide of the far post!
DISALLOWED GOAL! Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:06 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Chelsea have the ball in the net but the referee blows the whistle for handball! It’ll be checked.
The ball comes back to Fofana in the area and he takes it down - via the help of his arm - before it’s fired back across goal and Fernandez converts.
It’s chalked off and we go again! What a start that would have been for the Blues.
Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
A big early challenge from Chalobah to give Lewandowski an idea of what he’s in for tonight.
The Spaniards enjoying some early possession in their own half.
KICK-OFF! Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona
20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Stamford Bridge! What does tonight have in store in the latest instalment of this European rivalry?
Chelsea v Barcelona live
19:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are emerging from the tunnel at Stamford Bridge, so we’ll be underway soon in the capital!
Chelsea v Barcelona live
19:52 , Chris Wilson
'It’s a match with a little extra hype'
19:48 , Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford BridgeThe latest thoughts of Lawrence Ostlere, who is in place at Stamford Bridge this evening:
“Kick-off is near, here at Stamford Bridge, and you can tell it’s a match with a little extra hype around it. Outside, fans swarmed around the Barcelona team bus as it arrived; inside the media centre is absolutely packed; while pitchside below us is a chaotic scrum of TV reporters and pundits for various networks standing in front of cameras and bright lights (I see Zola, Rooney, Schmeichel to name but a few).
“The most intriguing bit of team news is Enzo Maresca’s decision not to play a recognised striker: Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu are all on the bench.
“Barcelona play a wildly high defensive line and perhaps the pace of Pedro Neto – the most likely option to lead the line tonight – can exploit the space behind.”
Could all six English clubs qualify for Champions League knockouts after fast start?
19:45 , Chris WilsonHere’s a brief look at how Chelsea – and the other six Premier League clubs – could all qualify in the top eight of the competition’s league phase table, thereby earning them automatic spots in the next round!
Could all six English clubs qualify for Champions League knockouts after fast start?
Famous meetings: Semi-finals, 2011/12
19:40 , Chris WilsonNot long until kick-off now, so we’ll revisit arguably the most famous meeting between these sides.
The last of the great ties between these two giants (for now, anyway) came in the 2011/12 season, and featured what was probably the most dramatic match in Chelsea history.
The Blues were struggling in the Premier League but overcame both Napoli and Benfica to book a place in the semi-finals against the Blaugrana.
Pep Guardiola’s side had established themselves as the best team on the continent after winning two of the last three European Cups but the Blues shocked them at the Bridge as a goal from Didier Drogba on the stroke of half-time gave them a 1-0 lead to take to Catalonia.
Barca were widely expected to roll the Blues over and book a place in the final despite the deficit, and they had the perfect start when Sergio Busquets’ 35th-minute goal was compounded by a John Terry red card two minutes later.
Iniesta made it 2-0 just five minutes after the sending off and it looked to be going only one way from there, before a miraculous chip from Ramires brought his side back into the game just before half-time.
Of course, that goal levelled the scores but gave Chelsea the advantage on away goals, and with Barca needing to chase the game, the hosts piled on pressure.
Lionel Messi had the chance to give them the lead on 49 minutes but the Argentine missed a penalty to keep the Blues in the lead, and the away defence swatted away waves of Barcelona attacks before a long clearance made its way to a lone Fernando Torres near halfway, with the Spaniard rounding Victor Valdes before sending Chelsea to a second Champions League final.
Match stats
19:35 , Chris WilsonSince 2013-14, Barcelona have only lost two of their nine away games against English sides in the UEFA Champions League (W6 D1). Those two defeats came against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in November 2016 (1-3) and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in May 2019 (0-4).
Barca have scored in each of their last 24 games in the UEFA Champions League (67 goals in total); the longest current run by any team. Their manager Hansi Flick has also never seen an opponent keep a clean sheet against one of his teams in the competition
Famous meetings: Semi-finals, 2008/09
19:30 , Chris WilsonPerhaps the most famous meeting between these sides, and certainly the most controversial.
Pep Guardiola’s first season in management saw him transform his Barcelona side into one of the best teams in Europe, led by the mercurial Lionel Messi alongside his supporting cast of Andres Iniesta, Xavi and co.
However, Chelsea had also marked themselves out as one of the continent’s best teams, having narrowly lost last season’s Champions League final to Manchester United.
And so there was plenty of drama promised as these two met once again, this time for a place in the 2009 final.
However, the first leg delivered little on that promise as a 0-0 ensued at the Camp Nou in late April, before one of the most dramatic games in Chelsea history took place at the Bridge in early May.
Michael Essien’s early stunner gave the Blues the perfect start in an end-to-end game, though referee Tom Henning-Ovrebo denied some close penalty decisions to incense the home players. While he later sent off Barca defender Eric Abidal, the Blues could not press home their advantage, and as more penalty appeals were waved away, Iniesta popped up with a superb late goal to send his side through to the final on 93 minutes.
Cue wild celebrations from the away players and controversial scenes at the full-time whistle, with Didier Drogba’s “it’s a disgrace” rant also going down in competition folklore.
Champions League fixtures
19:22 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full rundown of today’s Champions League fixtures, with some interesting ties to come:
Ajax vs Benfica (underway)
Galatasaray vs Union SG (underway)
Chelsea vs Barcelona
Bodo/Glimt vs Juventus
Napoli vs Qarabag
Marseille vs Newcastle
Dortmund vs Villarreal
Man City vs Leverkusen
Slavia Praha vs Athletic Bilbao
Champions League tie sees starlets meet
19:15 , Chris WilsonEstevao’s development has been a little more muted, with the Brazilian starting life more quietly at Palmeiras in his home country, though heads were turned long before Chelsea announced the signature of the youngster in June 2024.
He finally made the move across to the capital this summer in a deal that was reportedly worth over €30m, and he has since scored four goals across 16 appearances for the Blues, including a late winner against Liverpool early last month.
While he is still adapting to European football after a recent arrival at the age of 18, the winger is quickly turning into arguably Chelsea’s most exciting talent, while he is also crafting himself a spot in the Brazil national side ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Champions League tie sees starlets meet
19:10 , Chris WilsonStamford Bridge will likely see two of the most exciting young talents in the game facing off this evening, as Chelsea’s young Brazilian Estevao comes up against Barca’s Spanish starlet Lamine Yamal.
The emergence of the Barca youngster has been one of the biggest developments in football since his breakout tournament at Euro 2024, where he was a key part of Spain’s victorious campaign – with a superb goal against France in the semi-final announcing him on the international stage.
However, the 18-year-old has since managed to take that level of performance across to his club, with the performances in the semi-finals of this competition against Inter Milan last season catching the eye and marking him out as the world’s leading young talent.
Team news
19:03 , Chris WilsonHansi Flick has made just two changes to the side that beat Bilbao 4-0 on their return to the Camp Nou. In defence, Gerard Martin is replaced by Ronald Araujo, with Alejandro Balde moving back into the left-back slot and the Uruguayan coming in at centre-back.
In midfield, Frenkie De Jong replaces Dani Olmo, with Eric Garcia joining Fermin Lopez in the midfield three. Ferran Torres, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski lead the line as they did last time out.
Team news
18:57 , Chris WilsonChelsea boss Maresca makes five changes to the side that beat Burnley at the weekend. Reece James moves from right-back into midfield, while Andrey Santos and Tosin make way for Malo Gusto and Wesley Fofana.
Moises Caicedo replaces Joao Pedro, with Enzo Fernandez moving into the attacking midfield role ahead of the Brazilian. Alejandro Garnacho and Estevao come onto the wings in place of Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap, with Pedro Neto leading the line.
Cole Palmer is not fit enough to make the bench, though that was expected.
Line-ups
18:50 , Chris WilsonBarcelona XI: Joan García; Koundé, Cubarsí, Araújo, Balde; Eric García, De Jong, Fermín; Yamal, Lewandowski, Torres.
Subs: Raphinha, Rashford, Casado, Christensen, Martin, Olmo, Bernal, Dro, Roony, Kochen, Szczesny.
𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐔𝐏 🔵🔴#ChelseaBarça pic.twitter.com/EjRgI197s2
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 25, 2025
Line-ups
18:47 , Chris WilsonChelsea XI: Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, James, Caicedo; Estevao, Fernandez, Garnacho; Neto.
Subs: Jorgensen, Tosin, Acheampong, Hato, Badiashile, Santos, Buonanotte, Gittens, George, Guiu, Pedro, Delap.
Here it is: your Chelsea 🆚 Barcelona team news! 🔵#CFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/sM8Z56BYhw
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 25, 2025
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Aside from Cole Palmer, Chelsea will be without the injury-prone Romeo Lavia alongside Dario Essugo and long-term absentee Levi Colwill, who all remain out of action.
Captain Reece James was withdrawn at half-time against Burnley but Maresca confirmed the move was planned in advance rather than as a result of any injury concerns. Wesley Fofana missed out on the squad for the Burnley game entirely for “protection”, but should be fit to face Barca.
Famous meetings: Round of 16, 2005/06
18:30 , Chris WilsonTwo meetings within two seasons at the same stage of the competition. 2005/06 arrived with Barcelona looking to get revenge against the new force in English football, with these sides now clearly among the best in the continent after respective title wins.
This tie was put into Barcelona’s favour as the Blaugrana travelled to Stamford Bridge for the first leg, with an early red card for Chelsea’s Asier Del Horno giving them the disadvantage before own goal from Thiago Motta opened the scoring. However, the advantage told late on as Barca’s pressure resulted in a John Terry own goal before a late winner from Samuel Eto’o decided it.
And it was to be a decidedly less eventful second leg as Ronaldinho’s late goal was enough for Barca to qualify on away goals despite Frank Lamprey’s late penalty.
Chelsea weren't the only London opposition the Blaugrana beat in Europe this season either, as Frank Rijkaard’s side earned a dramatic 2-1 win over Arsenal in the 2006 Champions League final.
Head-to-head
18:20 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met 14 times in this competition in the past, with both sides winning four and the other six ending as draws.
Most recently, a 3-0 win for Barca saw them earn a 4-1 aggregate victory in the Round of 16 in 2017/18.
Of course, these two sides played out several famous ties between 2005 and 2012, some of which we’ll re-visit later on...
Match stats
18:10 , Chris WilsonChelsea have only lost one of their last nine meetings with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League (W2 D6), although that lone defeat did come in their most recent clash (0-3 at the Camp Nou in March 2018); a result that saw them eliminated at the last 16 stage (lost 1-4 on aggregate).
Barcelona have only won away to Chelsea on one of eight previous attempts in Europe (D2 L5): a 2-1 victory in February 2006 in the UEFA Champions League. Since then, they have played at Stamford Bridge on four occasions without recording a victory (D2 L2).
Famous meetings: Round of 16, 2004/05
18:00 , Chris WilsonThe first meeting to kickstart the 2000s ‘rivalry’ between these two sides came in the 2004/05 edition of the competition, when Jose Mourinho’s high-flying Blues met the Spanish giants in the Round of 16.
Goals from Samuel Eto’o and Maxi Lopez gave Barcelona a 2-1 home win in a game in which Didier Drogba was also sent off, before a dramatic return leg saw Chelsea claim a 4-2 home win to advance to the next round, with the winner scored by none other than Blues captain John Terry.
The match is probably most fondly remembered for the superb – almost dumbfounding – Ronaldinho goal in the 38th minute, in which the Brazilian shimmied in front of the Chelsea defence before beating Petr Cech with a brilliant punted effort from just outside the area!
While Chelsea went on the win the Premier League that season, they were victims of the infamous Anfield ‘ghost goal’ as they went out of Europe to Liverpool in the semi-finals.
Enzo Maresca pleased to see Chelsea negotiate ‘tricky’ game after Burnley win
17:50 , Chris WilsonEnzo Maresca was delighted to see his team selection pay off against Burnley at the start of a big week for Chelsea.
Maresca made four changes from the win over Wolves, including leaving star midfielder Moises Caicedo on the bench after his taxing international break with Ecuador, but it did not cost the Blues as they ran out 2-0 winners at Turf Moor.
Pedro Neto scored the opening goal with a brilliant diving header in the first half, while Enzo Fernandez made sure of the points with a late second on the break.
Enzo Maresca pleased to see Chelsea negotiate ‘tricky’ game after Burnley win
Barcelona celebrate return to Camp Nou with Athletic Bilbao thrashing
17:40 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s the report from Barca’s last outing...
Ferran Torres struck twice as Barcelona marked their long-awaited return to their Camp Nou with an emphatic 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.
Barca climbed to the top of the LaLiga standings on 31 points, level with Real Madrid, who face Elche on Sunday.
This was Barcelona's first match at Camp Nou in 909 days, as the partially renovated stadium welcomed fans back after two and a half years of redevelopment.
Barcelona celebrate return to Camp Nou with Athletic Bilbao thrashing
Pedro Neto sets Chelsea on their way to comfortable win at Burnley
17:30 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from Chelsea’s win at the weekend...
Goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez saw Chelsea begin an important week with a 2-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.
Neto, who also hit a post in the second half, scored with a spectacular diving header in the 37th minute and Fernandez added a late second to give the Blues their fifth win from their last six Premier League games.
Chelsea can return to London in good spirits ahead of home clashes with Barcelona in the Champions League and Arsenal next Sunday.
Pedro Neto sets Chelsea on their way to comfortable win at Burnley
Predicted line-ups
17:15 , Chris WilsonChelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Pedro, Garnacho, Delap.
Barcelona XI: J. Garcia, Kounde, E. Garcia, Cubarsi, Balde, Casado, De Jong, Yamal, Lopez, Torres, Lewandowski
Enzo Maresca issues Cole Palmer fitness update ahead of Champions League tie
17:10 , Jamie BraidwoodEnzo Maresca said star winger Cole Palmer is back in training and nearing a return after a long spell on the sidelines with injury.
“We don't know when, but for sure it will be soon,” he said in Monday’s press conference when asked about Palmer’s return. “He is already on the pitch, already touching the ball, and the feeling is good.
“I don't think so at the moment,” he added on the possibility of Palmer coming back in time to face Arsenal on Sunday.
“Last time I spoke with Cole was yesterday after the session to ask how he was feeling, but I didn’t ask him details about the injury.”
Enzo Maresca issues Cole Palmer fitness update ahead of Champions League tie
What is the Chelsea team news?
17:02 , Jamie BraidwoodAside from Cole Palmer, Chelsea will be without the injury-prone Romeo Lavia alongside Dario Essugo and long-term absentee Levi Colwill, who all remain out of action.
Captain Reece James was withdrawn at half-time against Burnley but Maresca confirmed the move was planned in advance rather than as a result of any injury concerns. Wesley Fofana missed out on the squad for the Burnley game entirely for “protection”, but should be fit to face Barca.
Kick-off time and how to watch Chelsea v Barcelona
17:01 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen is Chelsea vs Barcelona?
The match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 25 November at Stamford Bridge. Kick-off is set for 8pm GMT.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Amazon Prime, with coverage from 6.55pm GMT. If you're not an Amazon Prime Video subscriber you can start a free 30-day trial here.
Good evening
17:00 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea host Barcelona in a blockbuster Champions League tie tonight, with both sides pushing for a spot in the top eight automatic qualifiers.
Enzo Maresca’s men are 12th in the league phase table, one place behind and level on points with tonight’s opponents.
The Blues are fresh from a 2-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League at the weekend, but a toe fracture for Cole Palmer means they will have to face the Spanish giants without their talisman, who is nearing a return from a two-month injury layoff.
Chelsea dropped points in a 2-2 draw against Qarabag in their last European encounter but have two wins from two at home in this campaign, while Barcelona were held to a 3-3 draw by Club Brugge in an entertaining tussle.
What is the Barcelona team news?
Monday 24 November 2025 16:25 , Jamie BraidwoodFor the visitors, Alejandro Balde should be fit to start despite being substituted following a knock to the head in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao, while Raphinha may be in line for an appearance off the bench after he made his return from a hamstring injury. Marcus Rashford has recovered from the flu and has travelled to Stamford Bridge.
