ENZO MARESCA PRAISES CHELSEA’S HISTORIC NIGHT AFTER RECORD-BREAKING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TRI
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca hailed a "special night for the club" after his young Blues side made history, becoming the first team with three different teenagers to score in a single Champions League match.
Enzo Maresca's side ran riot at Stamford Bridge to mark their 200th Champions League game in style on a night where the club's young stars impressed - Photo Credit: Getty Images
After the match, Maresca expressed his pride in his team, who made history by being the first to have three different youngsters score in a Champions League match.
Extremely proud. In his press conference following the game, Maresca stated, "It is a special night for the club, for the young players."
"I believe Marc Guiu scored five or six goals for Chelsea in the Conference last year. Ty and Estevao have already scored in the Premier League. Overall, I believe it was a fantastic evening, particularly for the club and these young youngsters.
After the interval, the 18-year-old had a chance to score again but missed an appealing George cross. Maresca commended Estevao's humility and said he was "extremely lucky" to have the Brazilian under his control.
"You are usually a little concerned about young guys because they play one or two games, have a terrific game, score, and believe they are already top players," Maresca added.
The good thing about Estevao is that we do not have to worry about that because he wants to work hard and is very modest and courteous. I think it is great that he has a great family and that they are really close to him since he is a unique player, but you do not need to worry.
He will now play one, two, and score games, and he already believes that he is good. The good news is that he is a very straightforward youngster.
Being his manager makes me feel incredibly fortunate because it is fun and thrilling. We frequently remarked, "I believe that the fans ultimately purchase tickets to witness players like Cole (Palmer), Estevao, and others of this calibre." Therefore, having players like Estevao is nice.
The wonderful thing about Estevao is that we do not have to worry about that because he wants to work hard and is very modest and courteous.
Additionally, 17-year-old academy midfielder Reggie Walsh made his Champions League debut.
Walsh and Chelsea, who last participated in Europe's top league in 2023, both see the Champions League as a significant step ahead.
Walsh, however, did not appear out of place, and Chelsea's thrilling win demonstrated their title credentials.
"The club's objective is to cultivate young players." There are a lot of young guys here. We were, I believe, the Premier League's youngest team last season, and we are continuing that trend this year.
"Tonight, we switched from Nottingham Forest's game to 10 players." Although switching so many players from the Premier League to the Champions League is difficult, we must do it; otherwise, they would struggle since we have to protect some of the players in many games. Tonight, in my opinion, was also a positive night because we were able to rotate people, particularly with the red card.
DISCIPLINARY BLOW: MADRID PLAYER SUSPENDED POST EL CLáSICO TUSSLE
Real Madrid's backup keeper Andriy Lunin has been handed a one-game suspension by the RFEF for his aggressive conduct on the bench during the heated final moments of El Clásico. Real Madrid's appeal was rejected.
El Clásico Scuffle - Photo Credit Getty Images
Los Blancos' goalie Andriy Lunin has been suspended for one game by the RFEF Disciplinary Committee for his involvement in the sideline dramas during the El Clásico's final moments. Although the cameras did not catch it, referee Soto Grado did record that he had sent the Ukrainian off.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the RFEF responded as follows when asked why Lunin received a red card.
The reason for Lunin, Andrii's expulsion in the 90th minute was that he had to be restrained by his teammates after he walked aggressively from his bench to the blonde bench.
The disciplinary committee of the RFEF
"When considered significant, those whose behaviour violates sporting order will be suspended for four to ten games or fined between 602 and 3,006 euros."
Because of Lunin's actions, which constituted a minor violation of the sporting order, he was suspended for one game. The ruling had been challenged by Real Madrid. However, the RFEF stayed steadfast, defending the referee's ruling and the evidence in the match report and on film.
Now, the backup goalie will not play against Valencia this weekend, where he is probably going to be benched. Fran Gonzalez and Sunico, both from the youth team, might be called up as the matchday squad's third choice, with Sergio Mestre serving as a backup.
No Barcelona players or any other Real Madrid players were slapped with bans following the two flash moments in the closing stages of the game. When Vinicius Jr. and Lamie Yamal argued, even players who were not on the team were spotted shoving on the side of the field. The RFEF, however, determined that nothing that came to pass would justify further prohibitions.
ARSENAL STAR DROPS CONFIDENT TITLE HINT AFTER STRONG OPENING
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is targeting a historic Premier League and World Cup double with England this season. The winger believes it's a "doable" feat as the Gunners lead the title race.
Bukayo Saka - (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC)
According to Bukayo Saka, it is feasible for Arsenal and England to win both games this season. The season has started well for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta's leadership.
Arsenal leads the Premier League standings by four points at the moment and is starting to look like a title contender. Manchester City is only one point ahead of defending champions Liverpool, who are seven points behind.
Saka, however, is not only interested in winning at his club; he also hopes to succeed internationally. Manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that winning the trophy is his ambition for England, who have qualified for the World Cup in the USA next year.
Saka is optimistic about his club's and his nation's chances of winning. "Yeah, that is my prayer," he remarked in an interview with Sky Sports. It is possible, of course.