Mansion Sports – Chelsea FC delivered a stunning performance at Stamford Bridge, claiming an emphatic 5-1 victory over AFC Ajax on matchday three of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League league phase.

The match unfolded dramatically from the opening whistle, especially after Ajax were reduced to ten men in the 17th minute following Kenneth Taylor’s red card.

Chelsea’s goals came from Marc Guiu (18’), Moisés Caicedo (27’), Enzo Fernández (45’), Estevão Willian (45+6’), and Tyrique George (48’), while Ajax’s sole response was a penalty converted by Wout Weghorst (33’).

This commanding win underlined the resurgence of Enzo Maresca’s young squad, who now sit comfortably on six points from three matches, strengthening their bid for a spot in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Ajax remain winless and rooted at the bottom of the group standings.

First Half: Red Card Chaos for Ajax as Chelsea Unleash a Storm

The match kicked off under heavy rain but with relentless intensity. Ajax initially tried to dictate the tempo through the creativity of Oscar Gloukh and Mika Godts, yet their cautious buildup was quickly overpowered by Chelsea’s high-pressing aggression.

Fielding a youthful lineup brimming with energy, Chelsea immediately took control of possession and tempo. 

Disaster struck Ajax in the 17th minute when Kenneth Taylor was sent off following a VAR review that confirmed a reckless tackle on Facundo Buonanotte. The red card destabilized Ajax’s midfield, leaving them exposed.

Just one minute later, Chelsea made them pay. Wesley Fofana found Marc Guiu unmarked inside the box, and the young striker coolly slotted the ball home — his first-ever Champions League goal for the club.

The Blues doubled their lead in the 27th minute. Moisés Caicedo unleashed a powerful long-range effort that deflected off Josip Šutalo, wrong-footing Remko Pasveer and nestling into the back of the net for 2-0.

Ajax managed to pull one back in the 31st minute when Tosin Adarabioyo brought down Milan Moro inside the area. Wout Weghorst calmly converted the resulting penalty, making it 2-1.

However, Chelsea responded emphatically. As the first half neared its end, two penalties were awarded to the home side in quick succession.

First, Enzo Fernández was fouled by Weghorst and confidently dispatched the penalty himself in the 45th minute. Then, moments later, Silvano Baas tripped Estevão in the box, allowing the Brazilian wonderkid to coolly score from the spot in stoppage time (45+6’).

The first half ended with Chelsea in full control, leading 4-1 and dominating every aspect of play.

Second Half: Chelsea Unstoppable, Ajax Out of Answers

Entering the second half, Enzo Maresca made several substitutions to maintain the rhythm. Enzo Fernández, Caicedo, and Guiu made way for Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Trevoh Chalobah.

The changes had an immediate impact. Only two minutes after the restart, Tyrique George made it 5-1, pouncing on a loose ball inside the box after a tussle involving Santos. His shot took a slight deflection before flying past Pasveer.

From that point onward, the match was completely dominated by Chelsea. Estevão nearly added a sixth with an audacious bicycle kick in the 83rd minute, while Romeo Lavia and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens relentlessly attacked down the wings. Pasveer was kept extremely busy, pulling off multiple saves to prevent an even heavier defeat.

Ajax, reduced to ten men for most of the match, could barely muster a response. Statistical data confirmed their struggles — they failed to register a single shot on target in the second half.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s youthful energy and confidence were on full display. Maresca even handed Reggie Walsh his European debut in the 66th minute, further emphasizing the club’s faith in its emerging generation.

When the final whistle blew, Stamford Bridge erupted in celebration as Chelsea recorded their second major Champions League victory of the campaign. 

For John Heitinga and his Ajax side, however, it was another nightmare in Europe — their sixth consecutive defeat in continental competition.

Match Statistics: Chelsea vs Ajax

Chelsea’s Youthful Revolution Gains Momentum

This resounding victory serves as a clear statement of intent from Chelsea. Under Enzo Maresca, the club’s exciting new generation — including Estevão, Guiu, and George — has injected both flair and discipline into the team’s European campaign.

As Chelsea continue their pursuit of knockout-stage qualification, performances like this demonstrate that the next era of The Blues is not just promising — it is already taking shape on the grandest stage of European football.