Estevao Makes Electric Start as Chelsea Return a Winner
It’s not every day fans get a debut quite like this. When Estevao, Chelsea’s fresh-faced Brazilian teenager, stepped onto the Stamford Bridge pitch, the stadium buzzed with a mix of curiosity and hope. Just 18 minutes later, he delivered a lightning bolt moment—slotting home his first goal for Chelsea, lighting up the pre-season friendly, and giving the fans plenty to talk about over their halftime pints.
This was no regular game. It was Chelsea’s homecoming after the high of being crowned world champions—a first match back in front of their supporters, with the club marking the occasion as part of the VisitMalta Weekender. Around 30,000 were in the stands, but the energy could have fooled you into thinking the stadium was packed to the rafters, especially after Estevao picked up a well-deserved Player of the Match award before the full-time whistle.
Maresca Mixes It Up: New Faces, Trusted Leaders
Manager Enzo Maresca had more than just three points in his sights. He used the friendly as a golden chance to get new signings and young prospects into the rhythm of top-flight football. The starting lineup set the tone for fresh ideas: Filip Jorgensen started in goal, shielded by a back four of Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. The midfield spotlight was on captain Moises Caicedo and Andrey Santos—a first outing for Santos at this famous ground.
Cue the fireworks up front: Estevao was flanked by two other debutants—Cole Palmer behind him as playmaker, Tyrique George off the left, and Liam Delap as the central striker. Maresca clearly wanted the team to play with freedom and expression, and it showed. Chelsea had the better chances right from the off. The breakthrough came early, thanks to Estevao’s sharp finish, and it gave Chelsea the comfort to rotate, experiment, and test Bayer Leverkusen’s backline all evening.
As for the visitors, Leverkusen looked lively but never truly threatened to spoil the homecoming party. Defensive switches kicked off at minute 13 with Chalobah limping off, making way for more fresh legs: Tosin Adarabioyo took his place for the second half, with additional changes as the match wore on—James got a run out at 64 minutes, and the bench kept Maresca’s rotation ticking.
- Notable substitutions included Robert Sanchez, Gaga Slonina, and Enzo Fernández among others
- Joao Pedro sealed the 2-0 win with a last-minute goal to cap off the night
- The match served as a valuable test of depth and fitness before the season kicks off
This victory means Chelsea’s unbeaten run now stretches to five games, having recently dismissed Paris Saint-Germain, Fluminense, Palmeiras, Benfica, and Espérance. Not too shabby for a team getting its first glimpse at some big new names.
With new signings already gelling and the younger squad members showing hunger, Stamford Bridge looks set for more lively nights ahead. Fans, it might be time to get excited.
Write a comment