Estevao Brilló: Chelsea Awakens with the Brazilian Phenomenon in Champions League

Estevao Willian: The New Jewel Illuminating Chelsea and Challenging Lamine Yamal

The clash between Chelsea and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League generated pre-match comparisons between two young talents: Estevao Willian and Lamine Yamal. What once seemed premature has now materialized on the field. In an unforgettable night, Estevao, at just 18 years old, introduced himself to the football world with a spectacular goal that overshadowed his young colleague. Chelsea’s 3-0 victory marked a milestone in the Brazilian’s career. Despite the defeat, Lamine Yamal, also 18 years old, has no reason to worry. European champion with Spain and two-time LaLiga champion, his future in football is promising. However, Estevao’s performance put him at the center of the conversation. The context of the Champions League group stage, with Barcelona in a less favorable position, is not a total disaster. They still have affordable matches against Bayer Leverkusen, Copenhagen, and Slavia Prague. Estevao’s performance propels Chelsea into football’s elite, and allows fans, who have witnessed significant changes since the Champions League victory in 2021, to believe in a return to high-level competition.

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Estevao’s potential seems limitless. Those who expected to see Yamal shine with his talent were met with a memorable performance from the opposing winger. Following an own goal by Jules Koundé and the expulsion of Ronald Araújo, Chelsea took advantage of the opportunity. Reece James assisted Estevao, who with an individual play surpassed Pau Cubarsí and Alejandro Balde, and then launched a powerful shot that went into the net. The cameras focused on Yamal, who tried to appear indifferent. Estevao, for his part, was celebrating in the corner of Stamford Bridge stadium, while Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca showed disbelief.

Estevao’s goal reminded me of the goal he scored against us in the Club World Cup, which is very similar, the same action.

Enzo Maresca

Maresca highlighted that Estevao needs to enjoy and relax, avoiding the pressure of comparisons with figures like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Estevao became the third player to score in his first three Champions League appearances, joining Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. With five goals this season, Estevao matches the combined total of all Premier League players under 18. Chelsea maintained the intensity against Barcelona. Despite three goals being disallowed, substitute Liam Delap managed to score, although VAR intervened in Chelsea’s favor. Enzo Fernández and Marc Cucurella also had outstanding performances. Barcelona lamented a clear missed opportunity by Ferran Torres. In addition, the team was the first in 14 years to score an own goal and suffer an expulsion in a Champions League match, and the third in history.

Chelsea proved their worth, leaving behind the dependence on Cole Palmer. The team is on its way to becoming a real force. Wayne Rooney commented that Cole Palmer wasn’t even mentioned, highlighting Chelsea’s performance. Chelsea intends to protect Estevao, although the temptation to play him against Arsenal will be great. Maresca explained that the decision will depend on the game plan. Yamal was substituted and looked disappointed. Despite this, Yamal’s future remains bright, and that of Estevao and Chelsea seems equally promising. Estevao received an ovation and met with Palmer, suggesting even greater potential for the team’s future.