He Was ‘Absolutely Incredible’ — Rooney Hails Chelsea Star After Dominant 3-0 Win Over Barcelona

Marc Cucurella has earned glowing praise from Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney after delivering one of the finest performances of his Chelsea career in the 3-0 Champions League win over Barcelona.

Chelsea produced a powerful and confident display at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, sweeping aside the Spanish giants with a level of intensity and hunger that the visitors could not match. Goals from Pedro Neto, Estevao and Liam Delap sealed the win, but it was the complete team performance — built on energy, discipline and bravery — that captured the attention of fans and pundits alike.

Cucurella Stands Tall in Battle With Yamal

Going into the match, the spotlight was firmly on the clash between two teenage stars: Estevao and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. Many expected the young winger from Spain to cause problems for Chelsea, but instead, it was Cucurella who stole the show with an outstanding defensive performance.

Rooney Hails ‘Incredible’ Marc Cucurella After Stunning Chelsea Win Over Barcelona

Rooney, speaking on Amazon Prime after the match, could not hide his admiration for the Spaniard.

“Cucurella was absolutely incredible. I think it’s probably the best performance I have seen from a left-back for a very long time,” Rooney said.

“To do that tonight, what he did, that shows he’s a serious player.”

Cucurella didn’t just defend well — he dominated. He closed down Yamal quickly, refused to give him time on the ball, and read Barcelona’s movements with impressive calmness. Every time Yamal tried to cut inside or exploit space behind the defence, Cucurella reacted with sharpness and aggression.

Roberto Martinez: “He Gave Yamal No Time”

Rooney Hails ‘Incredible’ Marc Cucurella After Stunning Chelsea Win Over Barcelona

Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez also praised Cucurella’s approach, highlighting the full-back’s intensity and decision-making.

Martinez explained that beating Yamal requires more than skill alone — it demands discipline and perfect timing.

“How are you going to stop Lamine Yamal? He always tries to show him outside, and then he’s quick, and he reacts quickly,” Martinez said.

“He wants to let him know that he’s going to have no time. Look at the intensity. The moment the ball is played, he’s gonna be aggressive and he’s going to win the ball back.”

Cucurella’s confidence matched his physical effort. Even when Yamal attempted quick combinations or sudden changes of direction, the Chelsea defender stayed alert, locked in and refused to be beaten.

Estevao Shines as Chelsea’s Wonderkid Steals the Headlines

While Cucurella impressed at the back, Chelsea’s young star Estevao delivered another eye-catching moment in the second half. The Brazilian scored a brilliant goal to put the Blues 2-0 up, using pace, awareness and technique that drew comparisons to Kylian Mbappé.

In a match built up as “Estevao vs Yamal,” it was the Chelsea teenager who made the biggest impact. His goal lifted the stadium and confirmed Chelsea’s dominance, with the home fans celebrating long before Delap wrapped up the win.

A Statement Night for a Growing Chelsea Team

This was more than just a Champions League victory — it was a performance that showed how far the young Chelsea squad has come under Enzo Maresca. They were organised, aggressive and confident, even before Barcelona went down to 10 men. The pressing was sharp, the passing was clean, and the team showed maturity in game management.

Cucurella’s performance, in particular, symbolised Chelsea’s growth. Last season he faced criticism and struggled for consistency, but this display — full of courage, speed and smart decision-making — shows a player who is thriving with freedom and responsibility.

Rooney summed it up best: Chelsea have a “serious player” on their hands.

With performances like this, both Cucurella and the young squad around him are proving they can challenge Europe’s best — and win.