Chelsea’s youth revolution hit a historic high on Wednesday night as Enzo Maresca’s side dismantled Ajax 5–1 at Stamford Bridge in a UEFA Champions League group stage clash that will be remembered for its record-breaking teenage impact. With three different teenagers scoring, Chelsea not only secured their second win of the campaign but also made Champions League history.
⚡ Teenage Dream: Guiu, Estêvão, George Shine
Marc Guiu opened the scoring in the 18th minute, guiding home a header after Wesley Fofana nodded a deep free-kick back across goal. It was the 17-year-old’s first Champions League goal, and it set the tone for a night of youthful dominance.
Just nine minutes later, Moisés Caicedo doubled the lead with a deflected long-range strike that wrong-footed Ajax keeper Remko Pasveer. Ajax briefly responded through Wout Weghorst, who converted a penalty after Tosin Adarabioyo fouled Raúl Moro.
But Chelsea’s response was ruthless. Enzo Fernández calmly dispatched a penalty after Weghorst fouled him in the box, and Estêvão added another from the spot in first-half stoppage time after dazzling footwork drew a foul from Youri Baas.
Tyrique George, introduced at halftime, made it 5–1 just three minutes into the second half, pouncing on a loose ball and finishing with composure. It marked the first time in Champions League history that three teenagers scored in the same match for one team.
🧠 Tactical Brilliance from Maresca
Enzo Maresca named the second-youngest starting XI ever fielded by an English club in the Champions League, behind only Arsenal’s 2009 side. His trust in youth paid off handsomely, with Chelsea playing with pace, precision, and fearlessness.
The midfield trio of Fernández, Caicedo, and Buonanotte controlled the tempo, while Estêvão and Guiu stretched Ajax’s backline. Fofana and Adarabioyo were solid at the back, and Filip Jörgensen made key saves to preserve the scoreline.
“We’re building something special,” Maresca said post-match. “The young players are ready, and tonight they showed it.”
🟥 Ajax Collapse Under Pressure
Ajax’s night unraveled early when Kenneth Taylor was sent off in the 17th minute for a reckless challenge on Buonanotte. Down to 10 men, the Dutch side struggled to cope with Chelsea’s intensity and movement.
Manager John Heitinga, under increasing pressure after three straight defeats, admitted his side “lost control” after the red card.
“We knew it would be tough, but the early sending-off made it impossible,” Heitinga said. “Chelsea were excellent, and we couldn’t match their energy.”
Ajax remain bottom of the group with zero points and a -9 goal difference.
📊 Match Stats
| Stat | Chelsea | Ajax |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Shots (on target) | 17 (9) | 6 (2) |
| Pass accuracy | 89% | 81% |
| Red cards | 0 | 1 |
| Teenagers scoring | 3 | 0 |
🧒 Reggie Walsh Makes History
Late in the match, Chelsea introduced 16-year-old Reggie Walsh, who became the youngest player to represent the club in the Champions League. His debut capped a night that showcased the depth and promise of Chelsea’s academy pipeline.
🏁 What’s Next?
Chelsea move up to 11th in the group standings and face Villarreal next. Ajax, meanwhile, must regroup quickly or risk crashing out of Europe entirely.
Comments
Post a Comment