Chelsea challenges Barcelona after disallowed Enzo Fernandez goal for offside in UEFA as Estevão is absent
On November 25, 2025, Chelsea will face Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge in London. The match is set to kick off at 5 PM, Brasília time, as part of the fifth round of the group stage. Both teams are vying for a direct spot in the knockout phase, with Chelsea and Barcelona currently holding seven points, ranked 11th and 12th respectively.
Chelsea vs. Barcelona: Match Overview
The match features Chelsea under the guidance of coach Enzo Maresca, who has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation. Robert Sánchez will be in goal, with Reece James positioned on the right flank. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Hansi Flick has chosen the same formation, with Jules Koundé in defense and Robert Lewandowski leading the attack.
Key Incidents
- The first half saw several tactical battles, with Chelsea initially dominant but failing to convert opportunities.
- Enzo Fernández’s header was disallowed for offside in a key moment that preserved the goalless scoreline.
- Estevão’s absence from the match impacted Chelsea’s set-piece strategy, noted during the buildup to Fernández’s disallowed goal.
Team Line-ups and Notable Absences
Chelsea’s line-up includes Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella in defense, supported by Reece James and Moisés Caicedo in midfield. Estevão, Enzo Fernández, Alejandro Garnacho, and Pedro Neto complete the attacking trio.
Barcelona counters with Wojciech Szczęsny; Jules Koundé, Ronald Araújo, Pau Cubarsí, and Alejandro Balde; Eric García and Frenkie de Jong; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, and Ferran Torres; along with Robert Lewandowski. The absence of key players like Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk in Chelsea, and Pedri, Gavi in Barcelona also shapes the matchup.
Match Dynamics
The game has featured a series of intense plays with alternating possession. Chelsea has maintained approximately 58% of the ball, creating more opportunities than Barcelona. Early chances have been met with resilience from both defenses, reflecting the tactical approaches of both managers.
| Statistics | Chelsea | Barcelona |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Shots | 4 (2 on target) | 2 (1 on target) |
| Fouls | 4 | 3 |
Injury Updates and Tactical Implications
Injuries have disrupted both squads, with Chelsea losing Roméo Lavia and Levi Colwill, while Barcelona has seen Marc-André ter Stegen and Pablo Gavi sidelined. Both managers had to adjust their tactics given these absences, particularly the youth in Barcelona’s defense and Chelsea’s reliance on their attacking depth.
This high-stakes match promises an exciting clash as both teams seek to gain an advantage in the Champions League standings. As the first half progresses, Chelsea continues to push forward, maintaining pressure on the Barcelona defense, while Barcelona looks to capitalize on counterattacks.
