Enzo Maresca got his tactics absolutely spot on as Chelsea decimated Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League group stages.
The Blues started Pedro Neto up front in order to get in behind their opponent’s notorious high line, with Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho also getting a lot of joy at Stamford Bridge.
Hansi Flick admitted he wanted his players to replicate Chelsea’s after the devastating result, with the Blues in complete control of the game.
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As well as their three goals, they had another three disallowed, including one which would have seen Garnacho pick up an assist for Andrey Santos.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesAlejandro Garnacho describes Enzo Fernandez as his favourite Chelsea player
The winger was one of those who greatly impressed, however it has to be said everyone who featured for the Blues was close to their best.
The Argentine was full of praise for international colleague Enzo Fernandez, praising him on Fernandez’s official Instagram.
Garnacho commented: “My favourite player”, whilst there was also comments of support from the likes of Reece James, Estevao Willian and Marc Cucurella.
Fernandez started in the heart of midfield alongside Moises Caicedo and James, the trio who are frequently looked to in the big games for the Blues.
He thought he had opened the scoring after just a few minutes, however it was the first goal disallowed for Chelsea following a handball from Wesley Fofana in the build up.
Photo by Dennis Agyeman / Europa Press Sports via Getty ImagesFernandez’s brilliant stats vs Barcelona
Fernandez would get an assist for Liam Delap late on, putting the finishing touches on a brilliant performance from the World Cup winner.
It was noticeable how Fernandez was the one who was always looking to get Chelsea’s attackers in behind, and while they were at times frustrated by the offside flag, the tactic paid off on more than enough occasions.
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It is clear to see why Fernandez has impressed Real Madrid scouts so much, and they will be even happier to see him dominate against their biggest rivals in Spain.