Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has shed light on the tactical factors behind the Blues’ emphatic 3-0 Champions League victory over LaLiga champions Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
The Argentine international singled out Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s decision to maintain an ultra-high defensive line, suggesting it played into Chelsea’s hands.
Jules Kounde’s own goal, followed by strikes from Willian Estevao and Liam Delap, secured all three points for Chelsea and propelled them to fifth place in the Champions League standings. Despite Andrey Santos and Fernandez having two goals ruled out by the video assistant referee (VAR), Fernandez insisted the result reflected Chelsea’s superiority.
“Their defensive line was too high for my liking,” Fernandez told reporters. “We knew the spaces were there behind them and we were able to find our striker in space many times. And that was also the plan we had prepared with Maresca.”
The win boosted Enzo Maresca’s side’s hopes of automatic qualification from the group stage, providing a significant confidence boost as the West London club continues its European campaign.
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