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Every action Lamine Yamal performs radiates class. At times when he is moving about appearing dejected, which he demonstrated frequently at Stamford Bridge, he does it with the nonchalant elegance of a star. He softly controls the ball rather than hitting it, generating impressive power from minimal back-lift. He operates on the balls of his feet, constantly vigilant, always able to go in any direction. He moves smoothly rather than sprints, but does so at speed. He has already ended up as runner-up in the Ballon d’Or. But he was not the top 18-year-old right-sided forward on the pitch on Tuesday, far from it.

Developing Prospect Estevao Makes His Impact

In Estevao, signed from Palmeiras for a fee that could rise to £52m, Chelsea have recruited a player who could end up as one of the top-tier. He has been making more and more of an influence since getting the last-minute winner against Liverpool last month. His previous four starts for Chelsea have yielded four goals, and he also found the net in both of Brazil’s friendlies during the international break. It’s premature, but Brazil may finally have found the player they desperately wanted to have found in Neymar.

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

Estêvão’s goal, scored after 55 minutes to completely seal a win that hadn’t really been in doubt from the moment the Barcelona captain was dismissed just before half-time, was a classic. In part, it was about Chelsea retrieving the ball back and a teammate's pass, but primarily it was about the Brazilian darting at frightening speed, feinting left and right, brushing off markers and lashing a shot high past the goalkeeper.

Direct Duel and Robust Advantage

The slogan of “You’re just a inferior Estêvão,” directed at Lamine Yamal may have been extremely harsh on the Spaniard, and may not have scanned, but there was no questioning which of the two had triumphed.

Estêvão is 80 days older and has played 22 games fewer but at the moment he looks a more durable player – and consistent Premier League experience is only set to amplify 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 had issues physically in the Premier League this season but outpowered Real Madrid. Newcastle beat Athletic Bilbao essentially by having some larger blokes to go for balls in the box.

And Chelsea, after some uneasy moments in the opening quarter, by the midway point of the first half had taken control on Barcelona. The strategy of using a speedy attacker and his pace through the middle was emphatically vindicated.

Set-Piece Dominance and Resilient Solidity

The first goal had felt approaching for at least five minutes before it came. It was no great surprise it came from a set-piece, an area of the game in which it seems like Premier League clubs are operating with precious stones while the rest of the world is still using ordinary items. Barcelona can’t score a normal own goal, of course, but have to enhance it with a short pass in a narrow space and a skillful move. However embellished the finish, though, the reason was a smooth interchange from a corner that generated space for a Chelsea player to cross for Enzo Fernández.

But the advantage doesn’t just appear from an offensive point of view. Lamine Yamal got the better of Marc Cucurella only occasionally and seemed at times shocked, perhaps even disheartened by a couple of interceptions.

That frustration would have major 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 the Barcelona captain being cautioned for his protests. When Araújo – remained angry? Aware of his side’s shortcomings? Outsmarted? – lunged at the opponent a few minutes later the outcome was inevitable and virtually settled the game.

Strategic Variations and Closing Outcome

Perhaps Barcelona could have hunkered down, defended in a deep line and hoped to snatch something on the break, as Everton had done at Manchester United on Monday, but it’s hard to envision two managers more contrasting in mindset than David Moyes and the Barcelona coach.

A team arranged to defend with a line as high as Barcelona’s really has no escape when they are diminished to 10. They fell back a bit, but Chelsea still kept driving into the space behind the back line, got a third from Liam Delap and, if they’d truly needed to, could possibly have added a couple more.

It’s only the initial phase and things can shift in the spring as built-up fatigue begins to drain at English sides but the trend of Premier League supremacy through speed and strength is evident.

Lamine Yamal was replaced with 10 minutes left, walking to the bench with a sense of rueful submission, pursued by a scattering of unenthusiastic jeers. But there was no need to goad him; the fight was already over and conclusively so. Estevao, the undeniable victor, exited the pitch to a rapturous ovation three minutes later. His were the honours, and Chelsea’s the win.