In a match that will be remembered for its nail-biting finish, Chelsea secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Premier League champions, Liverpool, at Stamford Bridge.
John Terry Lauds Estevao and Cucurella After Chelsea’s Late Winner Sinks Liverpool
The win, sealed deep into stoppage time, prompted immediate and proud reactions from club legends, including former captain John Terry.
The Blues opened the scoring early with a spectacular strike from midfielder Moises Caicedo, who rifled the ball into the top corner from 20 yards out.
Liverpool found an equalizer in the second half through Cody Gakpo, setting the stage for a frantic finish.
The winner arrived in the sixth minute of added time when Marc Cucurella drove a low cross through the Liverpool six-yard box for 18-year-old substitute Estevao Willian to slide in and score his first Premier League goal.
The dramatic moment sparked wild celebrations at the Bridge and online. Club legend John Terry took to Instagram to share his verdict, singling out the two key players involved in the decisive goal.
Alongside a photo of the Brazilian teenager, Terry wrote, “Love him [Estevao] already,” before adding, “Also, what a ball from Marc Cucurella”.
Terry was not the only former Chelsea star impressed by the youngster.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Daniel Sturridge lauded Estevao’s instinct and awareness, stating, “Those are the goals that make a player’s career… At his age, to have the awareness to do that is fantastic”.
Cucurella’s role was not limited to the assist. After the match, he explained that Chelsea had specifically targeted the space behind Liverpool’s advanced right side, a tactical plan from manager Enzo Maresca that ultimately led to the winner.
“We practice and the manager always tells us the space is maybe there,” Cucurella told Sky Sports.
The victory, which moves Chelsea up to sixth in the Premier League table, was a testament to the team’s character, especially given they were without eight players due to injury and suspension.
For the young Estevao, it was a dream start, repaying the confidence of his manager and instantly endearing himself to the Chelsea faithful.
