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Each move Lamine Yamal executes radiates quality. On occasions where he is moving about appearing downcast, which he showed often at Stamford Bridge, he does it with the casual style of a star. He softly controls the ball rather than kicking it, creating impressive power from limited back-lift. He functions on the balls of his feet, constantly vigilant, always able to go either way. He moves smoothly rather than runs, but does so at velocity. He has already ended up as runner-up 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 Prospect Estêvão Makes His Impact

In Estêvão, recruited from Palmeiras for a fee that could increase to £52m, Chelsea have secured a player who could evolve as one of the elite. He has been building more and more of an impression since getting the late 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 just the beginning, but Brazil may at last have discovered the player they keenly wanted to have found in Neymar.

Estevao amazing goal illuminates Chelsea’s statement win over 10-man Barcelona

Estêvão’s goal, executed after 55 minutes to absolutely seal a win that hadn’t truly been in doubt from the moment the Barcelona captain was red-carded just before half-time, was a masterpiece. In part, it was about Chelsea regaining the ball back and a teammate's pass, but mostly it was about the Brazilian sprinting at frightening speed, deceiving left and right, brushing off markers and lashing a shot high past the goalkeeper.

Direct Battle and Robust Edge

The taunt of “You’re just a inferior Estevao,” directed at Lamine Yamal may have been overly harsh on the Spaniard, and may not have rhymed, but there was no disputing which of the two had come out on top.

Estevao 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 strengthen that.

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

And Chelsea, after some uneasy moments in the opening quarter, by the middle point of the first half had imposed themselves on Barcelona. The strategy of using Pedro Neto and his pace through the middle was decisively validated.

Dead-Ball Dominance and Defensive Strength

The opener had felt close for at least five minutes before it came. It was no major surprise it came from a set-piece, an area of the game in which it appears like Premier League clubs are playing with gems 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 tight space and a backheel nutmeg. However embellished the finish, though, the origin was a precise interchange from a corner that created space for a Chelsea player to cross for a teammate.

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

That irritation would have serious consequences as it led to Lamine Yamal falling over Cucurella’s leg in an attempt to win a free-kick, which in turn led to Araújo being cautioned for his protests. When Araújo – remained angry? Mindful of his side’s weaknesses? Outmaneuvered? – charged at the opponent a few minutes later the outcome was unavoidable and effectively resolved the game.

Tactical Variations and Final Conclusion

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

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

It’s only the group stage and things can evolve in the spring as collected fatigue begins to sap at English sides but the trend of Premier League dominance through quickness and power is obvious.

Lamine Yamal was substituted with 10 minutes to go, walking to the bench with a sense of rueful submission, pursued by a handful of weak jeers. But there was no need to taunt him; the battle was already lost and conclusively so. Estêvão, the clear victor, left the pitch to a rapturous ovation three minutes later. His were the praises, and Chelsea’s the win.