‘Best moment in my career’ — Estevao speaks after silencing Yamal, equaling Mbappe and Haaland record

Chelsea’s 3–0 demolition of Barcelona at Stamford Bridge produced several storylines, but none bigger than the rise of 18-year-old Estêvão, who delivered a sensational performance and equalled a Champions League record held by Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland.

His goal, his impact, and his emotion afterward have now become the defining image of a night Chelsea fans won’t forget.

After the match, the young Brazilian could barely contain his emotions. “It’s the best moment in my career… my family is here, I’m so so happy,” he said, still glowing from the moment that electrified Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Prime Video Sport, he added, “I don't really have any words to sum up how I am feeling. It was all very quick for me. I found some space and wiggled my way through.”

Estevao’s brilliant 55th-minute strike did more than double Chelsea’s lead, it placed him in elite Champions League company.

According to Opta, Estêvão (18y 215d) is now only the third teenager ever to score in each of his first three Champions League starts, joining Mbappé (18y 113d) and Haaland (19y 107d).

It was the kind of moment that not only shut down Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal in the growing narrative between the pair but also announced Estêvão as football’s newest phenomenon on the biggest stage.

Beyond Estêvão’s brilliance, Chelsea’s performance was a complete dismantling of a Barcelona side that briefly threatened but ultimately lacked control.

Barcelona had the better of the opening 15 minutes and could have scored twice, but once Chelsea settled, the match tilted decisively. The Blues opened the scoring in the 27th minute after a chaotic sequence that saw a Marc Cucurella run, a Pedro Neto flick, and a failed Ferran Torres clearance deflect off Jules Koundé and into the net.

The real turning point, however, came in the 44th minute when Ronald Araújo was shown a second yellow for a reckless challenge, leaving Barcelona with ten men.

From then on, Chelsea controlled everything, dictating tempo, slicing through pressure, and forcing Barça back into survival mode.

Estêvão’s goal made it 2–0, and Liam Delap completed the victory in the 73rd minute after a swift counterattack confirmed by VAR. The win keeps Chelsea climbing, moving to 5th in the league, while Barcelona’s slide continues as they drop to 15th.