Kenneth Taylor’s early red card allowed Chelsea to defeat the Dutch giants 5-1 in the Champions League on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Guiu and Moises Caicedo scored from the penalty spot before Enzo Fernandez and Estevao converted in the first half, paying off Enzo Maresca’s gamble by making ten changes.
After falling to Bayern Munich on opening night, Chelsea won the Champions League by two goals in the second half under the guidance of Tyrique George.
The Blues move up to 11th place in the table, while Ajax stays at the bottom of the standings for Champions League play.
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In the Champions League this season, Ajax hasn’t scored or even scored since arriving in London.
Maresca clearly targeted Chelsea’s visit as one he could afford to rest a number of his key players because the club won the club world cup in July, which gave him the burden of an injury crisis.
Only Romeo Lavia, who had to score at half-time in the City Ground to win 3-0 at Nottingham Forest on Sunday, was recalled.
However, that included Brazil’s wonder kid Estevao, Caicedo’s record signing, and Fernandez’s return from injury.
Inter Milan and Marseille had a strong lead in Ajax’s opening two games, but any chance of a turnaround came to an end with VAR intervening, who saw Taylor’s high challenge on Facundo Buonanotte convert from a yellow to a red card after 15 minutes.
After sending a man off in four of their last six games, Maresca’s side faced questions about Chelsea’s discipline during the pre-game press conference.
This time, the advantage was made significant.
Wesley Fofana’s header was headed home from the resulting free kick after Taylor was sent off.
Caicedo has now scored four goals for Chelsea this campaign despite making just three in the process since making the £115 million ($154 million) move from Brighton in 2023.
The Ecuadorian’s shot deflected in off Josip Sutalo, which was a good thing.
When Tosin Adarabioyo trod on Raul Moro’s foot and Wout Weghorst converted from the penalty spot, Ajax were briefly given a lifeline.
Before the break, Chelsea could only get two more spot kicks to end the game.
Fernandez dusted himself off to slot home, but Weghorst was punished for his conduct.
The first of what is likely to be many Champions League goals was then scored by Estevao.
The 18-year-old won the penalty and won it with confidence before beating Remko Pasveer.
Fernandez and Caicedo were the only ones who were withdrawn from the second half due to Maresca making four more adjustments.
With a precise low finish from Andrey Santos’ backheel in just three minutes, George made his mark off the bench.
Source: Channels TV
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