Chelsea overcome Barcelona in perfect UEFA Champions League performance

The Blues dominated for most of the match, grabbing decisive goals on either side of half-time to tilt the momentum in their favour.

The home side took the lead through an unfortunate own goal by Barcelona defender Jules Kounde in the 28th-minute before Ronald Araujo was sent-off shortly before half-time to hand Chelsea the advantage.

Brazil winger Willian Estevao doubled the lead for Chelsea in the 55th minute following good work from captain Reece James on the wing, four minutes after VAR had disallowed the Blues a second goal.

Substitute Liam Delap extended the lead with a clinical finish in the 77th minute as Chelsea cruised to an emphatic 3-0 victory over the La Liga giants.

The result sees Chelsea temporarily move into fifth spot on the league phase table whilst Barcelona occupy 15th position.

"I don't really have any words to sum up how I'm feeling right now," said Chelsea star Willian Estevao after the match.

"It really was the perfect night. It all happened very quickly for me, it sort of happened before I knew it. I just found some space, wriggled my way through and then scored that goal. It was such a special moment for me in my career. I hope to score many more."

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also reflected on the loss, choosing to look at the few positives from the outing in England despite the result.

We made some big ball losses - this was the key today," said Flick to BBC.

"We had some players making unusual mistakes. But I also saw some positive things, and we have to work on the other thing. I am happy Raphinha is back, and Marcus [Rashford] is at this level and, as I said, I prefer to look positively."

Chelsea will host Atalanta in their next Champions League fixture on December 9, with Barca facing Eintracht Frankfurt on the same day at Camp Nou. 

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