Champions League: Chelsea crush 10-man Ajax 5–1 at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea turned on the style at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, hammering 10-man Ajax 5–1 in a dominant Champions League display that showcased both depth and confidence.

The match swung decisively in the Blues’ favour after Ajax captain Kenneth Taylor was shown a red card just 15 minutes in, following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Facundo Buonanotte.

Manager Enzo Maresca, who made a bold call by rotating 10 players from the side that beat Nottingham Forest 3–0 at the weekend, saw his gamble pay off handsomely. Goals from Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Estevão, and Tyrique George sealed back-to-back European victories for Chelsea after their opening defeat to Bayern Munich.

Guiu opened the scoring from close range after Wesley Fofana’s header was knocked back across goal, before Caicedo doubled the lead with a deflected strike off Josip Sutalo. Ajax briefly found hope when Wout Weghorst converted from the penalty spot after Tosin Adarabioyo fouled Raul Moro.

But Chelsea responded ruthlessly. Fernández restored the two-goal cushion from the spot after being brought down in the box, and 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy Estevão added another penalty before the break, coolly firing high past Remko Pasveer.

In the second half, Tyrique George came off the bench and made an instant impact, finishing neatly from an Andrey Santos backheel to complete the rout.

With this emphatic win, Chelsea climb to 11th in the group standings, while Ajax remain bottom—still without a point or a goal in this season’s competition.

For Maresca, the result offered welcome relief and a sign of progress amid an injury-hit campaign. His side not only managed the game with maturity but also showed a ruthless edge that has often eluded them in recent seasons.

(AFP)