Maresca says beating Barcelona changes nothing for Chelsea | OneFootball

The coach of Chelsea, Enzo Maresca, tried to keep the impressive 3-0 home victory against Barcelona, who played with one man down, in perspective by insisting that “nothing has changed” for the Blues. Tuesday's Champions League triumph at Stamford Bridge kept the London club on track to reach the round of 16 of the competition, following a superb display of attacking football that featured a brilliant goal from young winger Estevão.

The 18-year-old Brazilian slipped past defender Pau Cubarsi, then slid in front of Alejandro Balde before unleashing an unstoppable shot. Estevão's goal came after an own goal by Jules Koundé, which had put Chelsea ahead, with Barcelona's captain, Ronald Araújo, being sent off in the first half for receiving a second yellow card.

Liam Delap scored Chelsea's third goal — his first since the pre-season triumph at the Club World Cup — to carry the confident Blues into Sunday's clash against Premier League leaders and London rivals, Arsenal.

Nothing changes

“It's a great victory, especially because it was against Barcelona, but nothing has changed in terms of what team we are and what we can achieve,” said Maresca, whose team could reduce Arsenal's lead at the top to three points with another victory at Stamford Bridge.

He added: “Now we focus on the next game. The feeling was very good. At home, with our fans, it's very nice to share this kind of moment. Now, in the next 48 hours, completely switch off, rest, and recover energy. We need to maintain the momentum. It's much easier to recover energy when you win games,” he concluded.

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