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Everything Lamine Yamal performs radiates class. On occasions where he is strolling about appearing dejected, which he showed quite a bit at Stamford Bridge, he does it with the nonchalant elegance of a star. He caresses the ball rather than striking it, generating remarkable power from restricted back-lift. He functions on the balls of his feet, always vigilant, consistently able to go either way. He glides rather than dashes, but does so at velocity. He has already placed as runner-up in the Ballon d’Or. But he was not the top 18-year-old right-wing forward on the pitch on Tuesday, not even close.

Emerging Star Estevao Makes His Imprint

In Estevao, brought in from Palmeiras for a fee that could increase to £52m, Chelsea have recruited a player who could evolve as one of the top-tier. He has been making more and more of an influence since netting the last-minute winner against Liverpool last month. His previous four starts for Chelsea have brought four goals, and he also scored in both of Brazil’s friendlies during the international break. It’s very early, but Brazil may at last have uncovered the player they keenly wanted to have secured in Neymar.

Estêvão amazing goal illuminates 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 dismissed just before half-time, was a masterpiece. In part, it was about Chelsea retrieving the ball back and a teammate's pass, but mainly it was about the Brazilian sprinting at frightening speed, dummying left and right, shaking off opponents and driving a shot high past the goalkeeper.

Head-to-Head Contest and Robust Superiority

The slogan 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 questioning 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 physical edge Premier League teams have over their European rivals. Liverpool have struggled physically in the Premier League this season but outpowered Real Madrid. Newcastle beat Athletic Bilbao fundamentally by having some larger blokes to attack 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 decisively validated.

Set-Piece Mastery and Resilient Strength

The initial strike had felt approaching for at least five minutes before it arrived. It was no big surprise it came from a dead-ball situation, an area of the game in which it seems like Premier League clubs are playing with diamonds while the rest of the world is still using ordinary items. Barcelona can’t score a regular own goal, of course, but have to enhance it with a short pass in a confined space and a backheel nutmeg. However embellished the finish, though, the origin was a precise interchange from a corner that opened up space for Marc Cucurella to cross for a teammate.

But the superiority doesn’t just appear from an goal-scoring point of view. Lamine Yamal got the better of Marc Cucurella only rarely and seemed at times shocked, perhaps even discouraged by a couple of tackles.

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

Game Plan Differences and Ending Conclusion

Perhaps Barcelona could have dug in, protected in a defensive formation and aimed to snatch 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 the Everton boss and the Barcelona coach.

A team arranged to defend with a line as high as Barcelona’s really has nowhere to go when they are cut down to 10. They fell back a bit, but Chelsea still kept driving into the space behind the back line, scored a third from a substitute and, if they’d really needed to, could likely have scored a couple more.

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

Lamine Yamal was replaced with 10 minutes remaining, strolling to the bench with a sense of rueful acceptance, followed by a handful of weak jeers. But there was no need to provoke him; the contest was already finished and conclusively so. Estevao, the obvious victor, left the pitch to a ecstatic ovation three minutes later. His were the honours, and Chelsea’s the win.