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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca played down his side’s emphatic 3–0 victory over Barcelona by insisting the result has not altered the club’s long-term outlook, despite a dazzling display in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge.
The convincing win over the 10-man Spanish giants strengthened Chelsea’s push for a place in the round of 16 and showcased the exciting potential of Maresca’s youthful squad.
Teenage winger Estevão stole the spotlight with a moment of brilliance, weaving past Pau Cubarsí and Alejandro Balde before unleashing an unstoppable strike into the net.
Chelsea had taken the lead earlier when Barcelona defender Jules Koundé turned the ball into his own goal, before the visitors were further punished when captain Ronald Araújo was dismissed for a second booking in the first half.
Liam Delap sealed the result with Chelsea’s third goal in the second half, ending his long wait for a competitive goal since the club’s pre-season Club World Cup success.
The win has boosted confidence ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with north London rivals Arsenal, who currently sit top of the table.
Despite the performance, Maresca was keen to manage expectations and urged caution against reading too much into one result.
“It’s a big win, especially against a team like Barcelona, but in terms of who we are and what we can achieve, nothing has changed,” Maresca said.
The Italian added that attention had already shifted to recovery and preparation for the weekend’s league clash.
“The feeling inside the stadium was fantastic, sharing that moment with the fans, but now the focus is on resting and recharging. We have to keep the momentum going, and it’s always easier to recover when you win.”
Chelsea could close the gap at the top of the Premier League to just three points with a victory over Arsenal at home.
