Enzo Maresca hails ‘special night’ as Chelsea set Champions League record in emphatic win over Ajax

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca described his side’s 5-1 demolition of Ajax as a “special night” after the Blues set a new Champions League record at Stamford Bridge.

A first-half red card for Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor left the visitors with an uphill battle, and Chelsea took full advantage, producing a ruthless display in front of their home crowd.

Teenagers Marc Guiu, Estevão, and Tyrique George all found the net in what proved to be a historic evening, as Maresca’s youthful side became the first team in Champions League history to have three different teenagers score in a single match.

Speaking after the game, Maresca praised his players for their maturity and hunger.

“Very, very proud. It’s a special night for the club and for these young players,” said Maresca. “Marc (Guiu) already scored five or six goals for Chelsea last year in the Conference League, Ty scored in the Premier League, and Estevão too. Overall, it was a great night for them and for the club.”

Estevão shines on record-breaking night

Summer signing Estevão, who joined from Palmeiras, was the standout performer once again. The 18-year-old became Chelsea’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League after calmly converting a penalty in first-half stoppage time.

He nearly added a second after the break, narrowly missing from a George cross, but his all-round display drew glowing praise from his manager.

“With young players, you’re often worried that after one or two good games, they think they’ve made it,” said Maresca. “But the good thing about Estevão is that he’s humble, polite, and works very hard. He has a fantastic family around him, and that helps keep him grounded.

“He’s a special player, but also a very simple boy. I feel very lucky to manage him. Fans pay to see players like Cole Palmer and Estevão — it’s a joy to watch them.”

Walsh makes Champions League debut

It was also a memorable evening for Reggie Walsh, who came off the bench to make his Champions League debut at just 17 years old.

Maresca had handed the academy graduate his senior debut last season in a Conference League tie against Djurgårdens, but this marked a significant step up for both the midfielder and the club, who are competing in Europe’s top competition for the first time since 2023.

Walsh looked composed in midfield as Chelsea showcased both their depth and European ambition.

“It’s part of the club’s strategy to give opportunities to young players,” Maresca added. “Last season, we were already the youngest squad in Premier League history, and this year we’re continuing in the same way.

“We made ten changes from the Nottingham Forest game, which isn’t easy when moving from the Premier League to the Champions League. But we need to rotate — otherwise, players will struggle. Tonight, it worked perfectly, and the red card helped us manage the game comfortably.”

A night to remember

The result makes it back-to-back Champions League wins for Chelsea and underlines the success of Maresca’s faith in youth.
It was a record-breaking performance — and one that could mark the beginning of a new European chapter for the Blues.