Chelsea exploded into a surreal Stamford Bridge spectacle, routing ten-man Ajax 5-1 in a night defined by penalties, red cards and a teenage takeover.
The Blues became the first side in Champions League history to boast three different teenage scorers in one match as a chaotic first half blew the game wide open and the youngsters never looked back.
First half chaos
Early flashpoint: Kenneth Taylor’s reckless lunge saw Ajax reduced to ten, and the visitors unravelled almost immediately.
Penalty bonanza: Spot-kicks rained down as Enzo Fernández and Wout Weghorst converted from the spot before the interval, and Estevão Willian slotted a third penalty in stoppage time to punctuate the madness.
Midfield mayhem: A series of rash challenges and sloppy turnovers allowed Chelsea to turn discipline into goals, leaving Amsterdam stunned.
Teenage takeover
Marc Guiu opened the scoring, announcing himself with the kind of strike young forwards dream about.
Estevão Willian added a composed penalty and another major contribution in a first half that cemented his arrival on the big stage.
Tyrique George came off the bench and curled home from just inside the box three minutes later to become the third teenager on the scoresheet.
Reggie Walsh, 17, made history by becoming the youngest player ever to appear for Chelsea in the Champions League, capping a night dominated by youth.
Standout moments
Moises Caicedo struck a thunderous long-range effort that slipped through the chaos for a highlight-reel goal. Wout Weghorst’s penalty underlined Chelsea’s ability to make moments count amid the disorder. Enzo Maresca’s substitutions turned the game into a controlled celebration, with key players rested after the result was safely secured.
Tactical snapshot
Chelsea’s selection read like a manifesto: ten players aged 21 or under featured and the starting XI averaged just over 22 years. The setup emphasized energy, fearless pressing and set-piece potency. Ajax, once masters of youth development, looked ruffled and rudderless, failing to contain the youthful intensity and discipline of a side being built to grow together.
Wider significance
This was more than a win; it was proof of concept. Chelsea’s youth-first blueprint produced a landmark European night that will thrill owners and sporting directors alike, while Ajax — winless and wobbling — face urgent questions about structure and discipline after a damaging outing.
What’s next
Chelsea: Travel to Qarabağ in their next Champions League outing as momentum swings firmly their way.
Ajax: Must regroup quickly as domestic and continental woes deepen, with critics and fans alike demanding answers.
