Chelsea enjoyed a spectacular evening at Stamford Bridge by beating Ajax 5-1, while also establishing an astonishing record with three teenagers scoring in one Champions League game.
Chelsea experienced a memorable night in the 2025/26 Champions League when they triumphed over Ajax 5-1 right at Stamford Bridge, showcasing a brilliant performance from their young squad. This victory extended “The Blues” winning streak in Europe’s most prestigious competition and demonstrated the effectiveness of giving opportunities to young talents.
The turning point came with an early red card for Kenneth Taylor of Ajax, which allowed Chelsea to dominate fully. This gave coach Enzo Maresca the chance to field many young players and rest key veterans. Players like Marc Guiu, Estevao, and Tyrique George all made their mark by scoring, making Chelsea the first team in history of the Champions League to have three teenage players score in the same match.
Estevao, the 18-year-old newcomer from Palmeiras, stood out as the brightest star. The Brazilian forward scored Chelsea’s first Champions League goal with a penalty just before halftime and became the youngest player to score for the club in this competition. Despite missing a chance in the second half from a good pass by George, Estevao earned praise from Maresca for his humility and professionalism: “He is very modest, polite, and always eager to work hard. I feel truly fortunate to manage such a special player like Estevao.”
Not only Estevao, but 17-year-old Chelsea academy midfielder Reggie Walsh also made his Champions League debut. Although it was his first appearance at this elite level, Walsh fully integrated and displayed confidence alongside experienced teammates.
The 5-1 victory also highlights that Chelsea’s youth development strategy is on the right track. Maresca explained: “We have many quality young players. Changing up to 10 positions compared to the Nottingham Forest match wasn’t easy, but it’s how we rotate the squad, protect our key players, and give young talents a chance to shine.”
The night at Stamford Bridge was truly a “special night” for Chelsea, as the teenage stars not only secured the win but also proved they deserve to be the club’s future.