Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca shared his thoughts after his team’s emphatic 5-1 victory over Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Champions League. The Italian tactician was pleased with the result but humbly admitted that a stroke of fortune helped the Blues secure such a big win at Stamford Bridge.
Early Battle Turned by a Red Card
The match began with intensity and balance, as both sides traded attacks during the opening quarter of an hour. Ajax looked sharp in possession and threatened through quick transitions, while Chelsea pressed aggressively in search of an early breakthrough.
However, the dynamic of the game completely changed in the 17th minute when Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor received a straight red card for a reckless challenge. The dismissal forced the Dutch giants to play with ten men for the remaining 70 minutes — a turning point that tipped the balance heavily in Chelsea’s favor.
From that moment on, the hosts took full control of the match. Goals from Marc Guiu, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Estevão, and Tyrique George sealed a dominant 5-1 victory for the Blues, reigniting their Champions League campaign.
Maresca: “The Red Card Changed Everything”
In his post-match interview with UEFA.com, Maresca acknowledged that while his team deserved the win, the sending-off was a crucial moment that altered the entire flow of the game.
“Yes, I’m very happy with how we played tonight,” said Maresca. “We started the game well and created chances early, but I have to admit that the red card completely changed the match. After that, we had more control and could dictate the tempo.”
The 44-year-old manager added that his players maintained focus even after Ajax went a man down, showing maturity in managing possession and finishing their opportunities.
Playing Against 10 Men Isn’t Always Easy
Despite Ajax’s numerical disadvantage, Maresca emphasized that facing a team with ten players can sometimes be more difficult than it seems. Reduced to ten men, Ajax chose to sit deep and defend compactly, forcing Chelsea to stay patient in their build-up play.
“People think it becomes easier when your opponent gets a red card, but it’s not always like that,” Maresca explained. “Teams often defend deeper and close spaces, so you need creativity and patience to break them down. That’s why I’m proud of how my players stayed focused and kept pushing for goals.”
Maresca also praised the discipline and teamwork shown by his squad throughout the 90 minutes, particularly highlighting the contributions of young players like Estevão and George, who both found the net.
A Much-Needed Boost for Chelsea
The emphatic win was a welcome relief for Chelsea, who had endured a shaky start to their European campaign. After losing to Bayern Munich and narrowly defeating Benfica, the victory over Ajax pushed them back into contention in the League Phase of the Champions League.
With six points from three matches, the Blues now sit in 11th place in the overall standings and are back on track to qualify for the knockout rounds.
“This victory gives us confidence,” said Maresca. “We need to build momentum from here, keep improving, and stay consistent. The Champions League is a long journey, and we want Chelsea to be among the top teams again.”
Looking Ahead
Chelsea will look to carry this momentum into their upcoming Premier League fixture this weekend. With players returning to form and morale restored, Enzo Maresca will be eager to see his side continue their winning run domestically.
The 5-1 triumph over Ajax might have come with a bit of luck, but it also showcased Chelsea’s growing chemistry, attacking depth, and tactical flexibility — signs that the London giants are finally finding their rhythm under Maresca’s leadership.
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