Chelsea produced a stunning display to thrash Ajax 5-1 in their UEFA Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, making history with three teenage scorers in the same game.
Manager Enzo Maresca’s decision to make 10 changes to his starting lineup paid off as Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Estevão, and Tyrique George all found the net in a dominant performance.
Ajax captain Kenneth Taylor’s early red card for a reckless challenge on Facundo Buonanotte after VAR review left the visitors with a mountain to climb.
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Chelsea immediately capitalised, with Guiu opening the scoring from close range before Caicedo’s deflected effort doubled the lead.
The Dutch side briefly pulled one back through Wout Weghorst’s penalty, but Fernández restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion from the spot before 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy Estevão converted another penalty to make it 4-1 at the break.
Substitute Tyrique George added a fifth just minutes after coming on, slotting home from Andrey Santos’s clever backheel to seal a historic night for the Blues.
Chelsea’s victory marks their second consecutive Champions League win, lifting them into a strong position in Group E after an opening defeat to Bayern Munich.
“This performance shows our depth and belief,” said Maresca after the match. “The young players stepped up brilliantly, it’s a proud night for the club.”
