Estevao lights up Chelsea’s Champions League statement against 10-man Barcelona - reaction

Football
26 Nov 2025 • 5:53 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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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.

The match will be shown live on Amazon Prime Video. Follow updates 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: 'It was the perfect night'

22:15 , Chris Wilson

Star 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.

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Champions League results

22:10 , Chris Wilson

There 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 Wilson

Chelsea 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

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FULL-TIME! Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona

21:54 , Chris Wilson

The 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 Wilson

90 +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 Wilson

90 mins

Into the first of three added minutes as Chelsea close in on a famous win.

Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona

21:49 , Chris Wilson

88 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 Wilson

85 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.

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Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona

21:41 , Chris Wilson

82 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 Wilson

79 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 Wilson

74 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!

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Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona

21:29 , Chris Wilson

69 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 Wilson

65 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 Wilson

62 mins

Two more changes for Barcelona as Raphinha and Andreas Christensen come on for Lopez and Lewandowski.

Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona

21:19 , Chris Wilson

60 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 Bridge

Some 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.”

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GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Barcelona

21:15 , Chris Wilson

55 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!

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Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona

21:12 , Chris Wilson

52 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 Wilson

50 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 Wilson

47 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 Wilson

Back 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 Wilson

It’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 Bridge

Some 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

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HALF-TIME! Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona

20:49 , Chris Wilson

The 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 Wilson

45 +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 Wilson

44 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!

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Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona

20:42 , Chris Wilson

40 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.

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Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona

20:40 , Chris Wilson

38 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 Wilson

35 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 Bridge

The 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 Wilson

32 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 Wilson

29 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 Wilson

27 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!

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Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona

20:28 , Chris Wilson

26 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 Wilson

24 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 Wilson

22 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 Wilson

19 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 Wilson

16 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 Wilson

13 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 Wilson

9 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 Bridge

The 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 Wilson

6 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 Wilson

4 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.

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Chelsea 0-0 Barcelona

20:03 , Chris Wilson

2 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 Wilson

We’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 Wilson

Both 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

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'It’s a match with a little extra hype'

19:48 , Lawrence Ostlere at Stamford Bridge

The 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 Wilson

Here’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!

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Could all six English clubs qualify for Champions League knockouts after fast start?

Famous meetings: Semi-finals, 2011/12

19:40 , Chris Wilson

Not 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.

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Match stats

19:35 , Chris Wilson

Since 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 Wilson

Perhaps 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.

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Champions League fixtures

19:22 , Chris Wilson

Here’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 Wilson

Estevao’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.

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Champions League tie sees starlets meet

19:10 , Chris Wilson

Stamford 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.

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Team news

19:03 , Chris Wilson

Hansi 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 Wilson

Chelsea 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 Wilson

Barcelona 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-ups

18:47 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea 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.

Team news

18:40 , Chris Wilson

The 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 Wilson

Two 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.

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Head-to-head

18:20 , Chris Wilson

These 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...

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Match stats

18:10 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea 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 Wilson

The 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.

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Enzo Maresca pleased to see Chelsea negotiate ‘tricky’ game after Burnley win

17:50 , Chris Wilson

Enzo 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.

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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 Wilson

And 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.

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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 Wilson

Here’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.

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Pedro Neto sets Chelsea on their way to comfortable win at Burnley

Predicted line-ups

17:15 , Chris Wilson

Chelsea 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 Braidwood

Enzo 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.”

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Enzo Maresca issues Cole Palmer fitness update ahead of Champions League tie

What is the Chelsea team news?

17:02 , Jamie Braidwood

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.

Kick-off time and how to watch Chelsea v Barcelona

17:01 , Jamie Braidwood

When 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 Braidwood

Chelsea 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 Braidwood

For 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.