If you turned up at Stamford Bridge a little early, you might’ve caught something unusual darting around the East Stand—an actual fox weaving through the seats like it belonged there.
For a moment, you couldn’t help but joke that Chelsea might’ve needed that fox inside Barcelona’s penalty area, because Enzo Maresca’s team sheet didn’t include a single out-and-out striker.
Sure, he had Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Marc Guiu sitting on the bench, plus academy prospect Tyrique George for good measure. But none of them were handed the responsibility of leading the line. Instead, Maresca pushed Pedro Neto into the central role, clearly hoping his speed would trouble Barca’s notoriously high defensive setup.
And honestly? Plenty of Chelsea supporters were chewing their nails over that gamble. So were we. But within minutes, it was obvious that worry was unnecessary.
How Neto Silenced All the Doubts
Neto didn’t just fill the role — he thrived in it.
His movement behind the defence caused panic, he played a huge part in the build-up to Chelsea’s opener, and he even came inches away from a spectacular solo run that would’ve brought back memories of Gareth Bale’s iconic 2014 charge against Barcelona.
Maybe it’s finally time we stop second-guessing Maresca’s tactical tweaks in big moments.
He stuck to his convictions just as confidently as he did in the Club World Cup final against PSG, and once again, he got his reward.
His ideas might raise eyebrows at first, but more often than not, they make sense once the whistle blows.
Malo Gusto: Chelsea’s Quiet Workhorse
Let’s talk about Malo Gusto for a second, because players like him rarely get the spotlight they deserve.
In the Club World Cup final, Cole Palmer looked like he had all the space in the world — but that space didn’t appear by magic.
It was crafted by Gusto repeatedly tearing down the right side, dragging defenders with him so Palmer could drift inside freely.
The same pattern showed up in this match.
Gusto’s constant sprints allowed Estevao to step inside and join Neto in central areas, stretching Barcelona in ways they didn’t enjoy at all.
The only reason Gusto didn’t complete the match was that he picked up a justified yellow card for stopping a counter.
Given how many reds Chelsea have seen this season, taking him off at the break was simply smart management.
And credit to Chelsea: that’s now five games without a sending off. Progress.
Barcelona’s Dramatic Side Shows Up Again
Earlier in the day, Chelsea’s Under-19s hosted Barcelona in the UEFA Youth League, and one spectator noted how often Barca youngsters collapsed theatrically only to bounce back moments later.
The senior team… let’s just say they followed the tradition.
No one embodied the drama more than Fermin Lopez.
Twice he tried to manufacture penalties — once going down softly under pressure from Trevoh Chalobah, who immediately told him to get up, and again when he exaggerated a collision with Robert Sanchez after the goalkeeper cleared the ball.
Chelsea actually tried to sign Lopez over the summer, but you’d imagine he’ll need to get used to a more physical league if he ever ends up in England.
The Teen Showdown Everyone Wanted
Estevao versus Lamine Yamal was meant to be a thrilling duel between two prodigies, but truthfully, it was one-way traffic.
Estevao looked sharper, bolder, and more decisive from start to finish.
Yamal, meanwhile, left the pitch clearly annoyed — not helped by the entire stadium cheekily applauding his substitution.
This likely won’t be the last time these two cross paths at the highest level, but for now, Chelsea fans wouldn’t trade their teenage superstar for anyone.
Not even for Barcelona’s golden boy.
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