Chelsea’s Young Guns Make Champions League History in 5-1 Win Over Ajax | OneFootball

Chelsea Crush Ajax as Teenagers Steal the Show at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea underlined their growing European authority with a resounding 5-1 victory over Ajax at Stamford Bridge, marking a historic night for the club and the Champions League. For the first time in the competition’s history, three teenage players found the net for one side.

Teenage Triumph in Europe

Marc Guiu, just 19, opened the scoring and momentarily became Chelsea’s youngest ever Champions League goalscorer. His moment came during a disastrous spell for Ajax that saw captain Kenneth Taylor sent off for a reckless challenge. Yet, Guiu’s record would not last long.

Eighteen-year-old Estevao Willian stepped up to take the third of three Chelsea penalties, converting confidently to claim his place in the record books. Enzo Fernandez had earlier scored the first spot-kick, while Wout Weghorst converted one for Ajax following Tosin Adarabioyo’s foul. Between those penalties, Moises Caicedo’s long-range strike added to the chaos of a breathtaking first half.

Maresca’s Young Lions Continue to Impress

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made three substitutions at half-time, one of which proved inspired. Forward Tyrique George, another academy product, scored just three minutes after coming on, coolly finishing from the edge of the area to become the third teenage scorer of the night.

Then came another milestone moment. Reggie Walsh, at 17 years old, made his Champions League debut, becoming Chelsea’s youngest ever player in the competition and the second youngest Englishman to feature in the tournament, behind only Jack Wilshere’s record for Arsenal.

Such youthful fearlessness reflects Maresca’s commitment to integrating emerging talent with established stars. His side’s control of possession, movement, and discipline after Ajax’s dismissal demonstrated maturity beyond their years.

Ajax’s Collapse Continues

For Ajax, this was another low in what has been a miserable campaign. Once kings of Europe, their latest performance was disjointed and ill-tempered. Taylor’s dismissal for a high and late challenge summed up a side short on confidence and composure.

Their defensive lapses were punished repeatedly. Youri Baas compounded their woes by conceding yet another penalty deep into first-half stoppage time when he stepped on Estevao’s foot.

Ajax now sit bottom of the 36-team Champions League table, having lost all three of their group games. They are winless in four matches across all competitions, a stark contrast to their glorious past.

Chelsea’s European Revival

For Chelsea, this was their second consecutive European victory after an opening defeat to Bayern Munich. The manner of the performance, filled with fluid passing and attacking intent, suggested a side beginning to find rhythm under Maresca.

Such dominance allowed the Italian coach to rest key figures including Caicedo, Fernandez, and Adarabioyo with over 25 minutes remaining. With a trip to Qarabag in Azerbaijan next, confidence will be sky-high in West London.