Barcelona’s incredible 53-game run ended by stoic Chelsea
LONDON – Chelsea ended Barcelona’s 53-match run of scoring in all competitions with a commanding 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday in the UEFA Champions League. The Premier League side scored once in the first half and twice after the interval, while Barcelona finished with 10 men after defender Ronald Araújo was sent off.
Barcelona had not failed to score since a 1-0 defeat to Leganés on Dec. 15, 2024. During that period, Hansi Flick’s team built a reputation for free-flowing attacking play that often masked defensive vulnerabilities, including last season’s 7-6 aggregate semifinal loss to Inter Milan.
Chelsea controlled the match for long stretches and repeatedly exploited Barcelona’s defensive line. The hosts took the lead in the first half when Jules Koundé diverted the ball into his own net, moments before Araújo’s dismissal. Ferran Torres missed Barcelona’s best chance early on, shooting wide in a one-on-one situation with Robert Sánchez.
Second-half goals from Estêvão and Liam Delap sealed the result as Enzo Maresca’s side maintained pressure throughout. Chelsea also had three goals ruled out—one for handball and two for offside—highlighting their dominance in the final third.
Barcelona managed only five shots, two on target, despite being LaLiga’s highest scorers this season with 36 goals in 13 matches and having already registered 12 goals in the Champions League.
The result leaves Barcelona second in LaLiga but 15th in the Champions League standings. Chelsea climbed to fifth in the Champions League group stage, adding momentum to a strong domestic run that has lifted them to second in the Premier League.
Chelsea’s performance underscored their growing tactical cohesion under Maresca and raised questions about Barcelona’s defensive structure and consistency in Europe.