Stamford Bridge was the stage for a Premier League classic on October 4, 2025, as Chelsea snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over reigning champions Liverpool, bringing a halt to their own recent struggles and launching a new hero into the spotlight. The night belonged to Estevao, the teenage Brazilian sensation, who delivered a stoppage-time winner that sent the West London faithful into raptures and marked his first ever goal in English football’s top flight.
It had been a tense, back-and-forth affair, with both teams eager to turn the tide after difficult runs. Chelsea, under the guidance of manager Enzo Maresca, entered the contest desperate to break a three-match losing streak in all competitions. Liverpool, themselves licking wounds from back-to-back defeats, looked determined to reassert their dominance. Yet, in the end, it was youthful exuberance and a bit of Brazilian magic that made all the difference.
Estevao, who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in the summer for a reported €45 million, had already shown flashes of brilliance in his brief Premier League appearances. But nothing could have prepared fans for the impact he’d make in this high-stakes encounter. With the match seemingly destined for a draw, and the clock ticking deep into injury time, Estevao seized his moment. As Enzo Fernández slipped a clever pass to Marc Cucurella, the left back darted to the byline and delivered a pinpoint low cross. At the far post, Estevao ghosted past his marker and, with a perfectly timed slide, tucked the ball home in the 95th minute.
"Oh wow, I’m just so, so happy. I’m grateful to God, to my family, to all my team-mates, to the coaching staff and to everyone else at the club who has helped me with my football here. It’s an amazing feeling to score my first Premier League goal and in such a big game, I’m just so happy," Estevao told reporters, beaming with pride after the final whistle. "I feel great right now and it’s so good that the manager has so much confidence in me. When I went on, he told me to just play my own game and to try and make an impact. He told me to try and score or create a goal and thankfully I managed to do that. I’m so happy for him and for all the belief that the manager, Enzo Maresca, has in me."
For the 18-year-old, who had already made a name for himself as a prodigy at Palmeiras and as a senior Brazil international, this was a statement performance. It wasn’t just about the goal, but the composure and maturity he showed on one of football’s biggest stages. His adaptation to life in England has been rapid, and he credits his support network for making the transition smooth. "Things at Chelsea have gone a lot better so far than I maybe imagined. I feel so good in training every day and I enjoy every moment. I have fantastic teammates and coaching staff around me that help me each day, and it’s very helpful that I have my family with me and they’ve helped me really settle into life in England and the Premier League. I couldn’t be happier!" Estevao shared in a club interview.
The victory was about more than just Estevao’s heroics, though. Moisés Caicedo delivered a midfield masterclass that had pundits and fans alike singing his praises. The Ecuadorian, who was the subject of an intense transfer battle between Chelsea and Liverpool, reminded everyone why the Blues fought so hard for his signature. Not only did he score a stunning goal to put Chelsea ahead, but his tireless work across the pitch drew superlatives from experts. "[He] was the best player on the pitch by a mile. Forget the goal, which was absolutely incredible, his work around the pitch means he’s two in one. He’s everything and a brilliant midfielder player. He was the best player on the pitch by a mile and if Liverpool had him they would have won, he was that good," Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville declared. "[He] is the best midfielder in the Premier League at this moment in time. You think of Gravenberch last season and Declan Rice, Rodri obviously, but right now I think we can say he’s the best midfielder in the Premier League."
Marc Cucurella, too, deserves his share of the spotlight. The Spaniard’s performance at left back was quietly excellent throughout, but it was his decisive assist for Estevao’s winner that will linger in the memory. His ability to stay alert, check his run, and deliver the perfect ball under pressure showcased his quality and composure.
Player ratings from the night reflected Chelsea’s all-around effort. Caicedo earned a stellar 9.4, Estevao an 8.6 as a substitute, and Cucurella an impressive 8.1. Others like Reece James, Badiashile, and Fernández also contributed solidly, helping Chelsea withstand Liverpool’s late pressure and secure a much-needed three points.
The win couldn’t have come at a better time for Chelsea. Not only did it snap a four-game winless run in the Premier League, but it also restored belief in a squad that had been searching for answers. For Liverpool, the defeat marked a third consecutive loss in all competitions—a rare slump for the reigning champions, raising questions about their form and depth as the season intensifies.
Estevao’s emergence is a storyline that will excite Chelsea fans and neutrals alike. Already, comparisons are being drawn to club legends who announced themselves in big matches against Liverpool. While it’s far too early to predict the full trajectory of his career, the signs are promising. In just 341 minutes across nine games, Estevao has notched a goal and an assist, settling into the Premier League far quicker than many expected.
Looking ahead, Chelsea will hope this result serves as a launchpad for a renewed push up the table. Manager Enzo Maresca’s faith in youth and his tactical tweaks are beginning to bear fruit, and the blend of experienced internationals with emerging stars like Estevao could prove a winning formula. For the teenager himself, the journey is just beginning. "I have fantastic teammates and coaching staff around me that help me each day, and it’s very helpful that I have my family with me and they’ve helped me really settle into life in England and the Premier League. I couldn’t be happier!" he reiterated, underlining the importance of support both on and off the pitch.
As the dust settles on a memorable night at Stamford Bridge, one thing is clear: a new chapter has begun for Chelsea, and Estevao’s name is now etched into its opening lines. The Premier League is watching—and so is the world.
