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Every action Lamine Yamal executes oozes class. On occasions where he is moving about appearing downcast, which he showed quite a bit at Stamford Bridge, he does it with the nonchalant grace of a superstar. He softly controls the ball rather than striking it, creating extraordinary power from limited back-lift. He plays on the balls of his feet, always alert, repeatedly able to go either way. He glides rather than runs, but does so at velocity. He has already finished as silver medalist in the Ballon d’Or. But he was not the finest 18-year-old right-sided forward on the pitch on Tuesday, far from it.

Emerging Star Estevao Makes His Imprint

In Estêvão, brought in from Palmeiras for a fee that could increase to £52m, Chelsea have acquired a player who could end up as one of the very best. He has been building more and more of an influence since netting the last-minute winner against Liverpool last month. His last four starts for Chelsea have brought four goals, and he also scored in both of Brazil’s friendlies during the international break. It’s premature, but Brazil may eventually have discovered the player they desperately wanted to have identified in Neymar.

Estêvão wonder goal lights up Chelsea’s statement win over 10-man Barcelona

Estevao's goal, converted after 55 minutes to absolutely seal a win that hadn’t fully been in doubt from the moment the Barcelona captain was sent off just before half-time, was a exemplary. In part, it was about Chelsea regaining the ball back and a teammate's pass, but mainly it was about the Brazilian darting at terrifying speed, deceiving left and right, shaking off markers and lashing a shot high past the goalkeeper.

Direct Battle and Robust Superiority

The taunt of “You’re just a shit Estêvão,” directed at Lamine Yamal may have been exaggeratedly harsh on the Spaniard, and may not have fit, but there was no doubting which of the two had triumphed.

Estêvão is 80 days older and has played 22 games fewer but at the moment he looks a more resilient player – and consistent Premier League experience is only likely to amplify that.

It’s been a feature of the Champions League this season just how much of a physical edge Premier League teams have over their European rivals. Liverpool have had issues physically in the Premier League this season but dominated Real Madrid. Newcastle beat Athletic Bilbao essentially by having some more physical blokes to challenge for balls in the box.

And Chelsea, after some nervous moments in the opening quarter, by the midway point of the first half had asserted their authority on Barcelona. The strategy of using a speedy attacker and his pace through the middle was emphatically justified.

Restart Expertise and Resilient Strength

The opener had felt approaching for at least five minutes before it came. It was no great surprise it came from a set-piece, an area of the game in which it appears like Premier League clubs are playing with precious stones while the rest of the world is still using basic tools. Barcelona can’t score a regular own goal, of course, but have to adorn it with a one-two in a confined space and a backheel nutmeg. However elaborate the finish, though, the origin was a slick interchange from a corner that generated space for a Chelsea player to cross for a teammate.

But the superiority doesn’t just manifest from an attacking point of view. Lamine Yamal got the better of his marker only occasionally and seemed at times surprised, perhaps even discouraged by a couple of blocks.

That annoyance would have significant consequences as it led to Lamine Yamal diving over Cucurella’s leg in an attempt to win a free-kick, which in turn led to Araújo being cautioned for his arguments. When the defender – remained angry? Conscious of his side’s limitations? Beaten? – dived at the opponent a few minutes later the outcome was inevitable and practically resolved the game.

Tactical Differences and Closing Conclusion

Perhaps Barcelona could have hunkered down, defended in a low block and tried to pinch something on the break, as Everton had done at Manchester United on Monday, but it’s hard to picture two managers more diverse in mindset than David Moyes and the Barcelona coach.

A team set up to defend with a line as high as Barcelona’s really has few options when they are cut down to 10. They retreated a bit, but Chelsea still kept pushing into the space behind the back line, got a third from Liam Delap and, if they’d truly needed to, could likely have scored a couple more.

It’s only the initial phase and things can shift in the spring as built-up fatigue begins to sap at English sides but the tendency of Premier League dominance through quickness and power is evident.

Lamine Yamal was withdrawn with 10 minutes left, wandering to the bench with a sense of regretful submission, accompanied by a few of unenthusiastic jeers. But there was no need to taunt him; the fight was already finished and conclusively so. Estêvão, the clear victor, exited the pitch to a enthusiastic ovation three minutes later. His were the accolades, and Chelsea’s the win.