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Every action Lamine Yamal executes radiates quality. At times when he is moving about looking disheartened, which he demonstrated quite a bit at Stamford Bridge, he does it with the nonchalant elegance of a superstar. He caresses the ball rather than striking it, producing remarkable power from minimal back-lift. He functions on the balls of his feet, constantly vigilant, consistently able to go in any direction. He glides rather than runs, but does so at pace. He has already ended up as second place in the Ballon d’Or. But he was not the best 18-year-old right-flank forward on the pitch on Tuesday, far from it.

Developing Talent Estêvão Leaves His Mark

In Estêvão, signed from Palmeiras for a fee that could climb to £52m, Chelsea have recruited a player who could turn out as one of the elite. He has been building more and more of an influence since netting the dying moments winner against Liverpool last month. His last four starts for Chelsea have produced four goals, and he also found the net in both of Brazil’s friendlies during the international break. It’s just the beginning, but Brazil may finally have discovered the player they desperately wanted to have secured in Neymar.

Estêvão amazing goal illuminates Chelsea’s impressive win over 10-man Barcelona

Estêvão’s goal, executed after 55 minutes to definitively seal a win that hadn’t fully been in doubt from the moment the Barcelona captain was red-carded just before half-time, was a exemplary. In part, it was about Chelsea winning the ball back and a teammate's pass, but mainly it was about the Brazilian sprinting at incredible speed, dummying left and right, brushing off defenders and driving a shot high past the goalkeeper.

Face-to-Face Contest and Powerful Edge

The chant of “You’re just a shit Estevao,” directed at Lamine Yamal may have been extremely harsh on the Spaniard, and may not have fit, but there was no questioning which of the two had prevailed.

Estevao is 80 days older and has played 22 games fewer but at the moment he looks a more resilient player – and consistent Premier League experience is only expected to strengthen that.

It’s been a trait of the Champions League this season just how much of a bodily edge Premier League teams have over their European rivals. Liverpool have struggled physically in the Premier League this season but outpowered Real Madrid. Newcastle beat Athletic Bilbao essentially by having some more physical blokes to attack balls in the box.

And Chelsea, after some nervous moments in the opening quarter, by the middle point of the first half had imposed themselves on Barcelona. The tactic of using a speedy attacker and his pace through the middle was emphatically vindicated.

Restart Expertise and Resilient Toughness

The first goal had felt imminent for at least five minutes before it materialized. It was no major surprise it came from a set-piece, an area of the game in which it seems like Premier League clubs are operating with gems while the rest of the world is still using basic tools. Barcelona can’t score a regular own goal, of course, but have to enhance it with a one-two in a confined space and a fancy flick. However embellished the finish, though, the reason was a smooth interchange from a corner that created space for Marc Cucurella to cross for Enzo Fernández.

But the advantage doesn’t just manifest from an offensive point of view. Lamine Yamal got the better of his marker only occasionally and seemed at times surprised, perhaps even disheartened by a couple of blocks.

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 Araújo being cautioned for his arguments. When Araújo – was he still seething? Aware of his side’s weaknesses? Beaten? – lunged at the opponent a few minutes later the conclusion was certain and effectively settled the game.

Tactical Contrasts and Closing Outcome

Perhaps Barcelona could have dug in, defended in a low block and aimed to grab something on the break, as Everton had done at Manchester United on Monday, but it’s hard to imagine two managers more different in approach than the Everton boss and the Barcelona coach.

A team organized 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 a substitute and, if they’d really needed to, could possibly have added a couple more.

It’s only the opening round and things can shift in the spring as accumulated fatigue begins to drain at English sides but the tendency of Premier League control through quickness and force is clear.

Lamine Yamal was withdrawn with 10 minutes to go, walking to the bench with a sense of regretful acceptance, followed by a few of half-hearted jeers. But there was no need to goad him; the contest was already over and decisively so. Estêvão, the undeniable victor, left the pitch to a ecstatic ovation three minutes later. His were the honours, and Chelsea’s the victory.