Maresca praises Estevao after teen ignites Chelsea UCL win over Barcelona

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca hailed Estevao after the teenager inspired a 3-0 Champions League victory over FC Barcelona at Stamford Bridge.

Maresca said Chelsea’s approach would not change in spite of the emphatic win, stressing the team must stay grounded.

He praised Estevao’s pressing and maturity, saying the winger delivered far more than his spectacular second-half goal.

“It’s a big win, especially as it’s Barcelona, but nothing has changed in terms of what team we are and what we can achieve,” he said.

“Estevao had a very good game, not only for the goal, he helped the team with how we were pressing.

“The goal reminded me of the one he scored against us in the Club World Cup – very similar, the same action,” he said of Estevao’s effort for Palmeiras in Chelsea’s 2-1 quarter-final victory in July.

He, however rejected comparisons linking Estevao and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal to Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, calling such pressure unnecessary.

Maresca said both 18-year-olds needed freedom to grow without unrealistic expectations.

“With him, Lamine, they are so young at 18 that if you start to talk about Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, I think it’s too much pressure for young boys like them.

“At 18, they need to enjoy, they need to arrive at the training ground happy, but when you start to compare them with the Messi or with the Ronaldo, I think it’s too much for them,” he said.

Estevao had troubled Barcelona throughout the match and sealed Chelsea’s second after beating two defenders before scoring from a tight angle.

He said the goal was the most special moment of his young career and described the night as unforgettable.

“I don’t really have any words to sum up how I’m feeling – the perfect night,” the 18-year-old Brazilian said.

“It just happened before I even knew it, I wriggled through. I hope to score many more; it was definitely the most special moment of my career.

“I am so happy my family were here watching.” he said.,