Chelsea vs Ajax live: Enzo Maresca’s side sweep visitors aside in five star mauling at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea 5-1 Ajax: The Blues shot up to 11th in the table having battered the Dutch side
Chelsea breezed to a 5-1 victory over struggling Ajax as they secured a second victory of the Champions League league phase at Stamford Bridge.
The visitors, who had lost both of their European matches before this one, started well enough but a clumsy challenge from captain Kenneth Taylor saw him sent off midway through the first half.
That incident was the catalyst for a furious first 45 minutes in which five goals were scored as Chelsea took complete control of the game.
78 seconds after Taylor’s dismissal, Chelsea teenager Marc Guiu had the ball in the back of the net ably assisted by Wesley Fofana. Moises Caicedo’s strike from range made it two before a penalty to Ajax saw Wout Weghorst pull a goal back.
At this stage there was hope for the 10-man Dutch side but two penalties, both coming to Chelsea, saw Enzo Fernandes then Estevao slot home their spot kicks. Tyrique George became the third teenager of the night to score with his goal just minutes into the second half and from there it was plain sailing.
Relive the Champions League updates with our live blog below:
Chelsea’s teenage prodigies dismantle hapless Ajax in history-making win
Suffice to say the kids were alright. Chelsea made Champions League history of sorts with the teamsheet, still more with the scoresheet. They have played the generation game over the last three years, but the shift to youth never felt as pronounced.
Nor, they may feel, as much of a vindication. Enzo Maresca named the second youngest 11 an English club had ever selected in this competition – behind an Arsenal side that, strange as it sounds, featured Tom Cruise – and Chelsea became the first team ever to have three teenagers score in a Champions League game.
Chelsea’s teenage prodigies dismantle hapless Ajax in history-making win
Full-time! Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
90+5 mins: The whistle goes.
Chelsea have their win, they have the three points and they’ve shown just how dangerous they can be this season.
What a performance and what a result.
Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
87 mins: Time is ticking away from Chelsea to add to their tally again.
They’re aren’t really trying to anymore. The tempo has been zapped from proceedings as the players all know the game is over.
Estevao continues to excel
“Ajax may be grateful for the many Chelsea changes, which have taken some of the sting out of the game, but Estavao is continuing to excel.
“He looks a huge talent and almost scored with an audacious overhead kick.”
Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
84 mins: Chelsea are understandably cruising now.
Their main players are off and the teenagers have the game in hand.
It’s been a tough outing for Ajax.
Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes here and Wesley Fofana may have an issue.
He’s signalled to the bench to come off but Chelsea are out of substitutes.
Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
75 mins: Save! Pasveer lunges to the left and pushes the ball up over the crossbar.
Estevao struck it again and made things difficult for the goalkeeper who handled it well.
Chelsea 5-1 Ajax
72 mins: Chelsea win a free kick and it’s within shooting range but not the most favourable of angles.
Estevao takes it and drills his effort into the wall.
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