Chelsea Dominates Barcelona in Champions League After Araujo Red Card Turns the Match

Chelsea came out firing at Stamford Bridge and completely controlled Barcelona from the opening whistle. The 1–0 arrived early through a Jules Koundé own goal — a chaotic moment that shook the visiting defense and left Barcelona chasing the match from behind. They tried to settle, but never found clarity or rhythm in Chelsea’s half.

Everything changed in the 44th minute when Ronald Araujo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. With Barcelona down to ten men, structure collapsed and Chelsea found the freedom to attack at full speed. In the second half, the London side played with total comfort. Estêvão doubled the lead in the 55th minute with a clinical finish. Barcelona dropped deeper, became passive, and allowed Chelsea to dictate every phase of the game.

Liam Delap sealed the rout at the 73rd minute as Chelsea fully exposed Barcelona’s weaknesses after the expulsion. Without Araujo, Barça lacked leadership at the back and any defensive structure. Chelsea recognized the vulnerability, attacked aggressively down the wings, and won every decisive battle throughout the pitch. The English side finished with control of possession, shot creation, and tempo.

Barcelona never recovered after going down a man. Tactical changes offered no solution, and Hansi Flick’s team spent the remainder of the match pinned inside their own territory. Chelsea celebrated a powerful statement win — one that boosts their Champions League campaign and delivers Barcelona one of their toughest defeats of the season.

Barcelona left Stamford Bridge with a painful loss and the sense that Araujo’s red card changed the game long before the final whistle.