On Wednesday 22 October 2025, Chelsea hosted Ajax in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea came into the match with a rotated squad manager Enzo Maresca made ten changes to the starting XI, retaining only Romeo Lavia from his previous lineup.

Ajax arrived under pressure and things went from bad to worse on the night.

Chelsea vs Ajax Key moments & goals

• In the 17th minute, Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor was sent off for a dangerous high challenge.

• Just one minute later (18th), Chelsea took the lead: Marc Guiu scored from close range, capitalising on a cross.

• In the 27th minute, Moisés Caicedo fired in a powerful strike which took a deflection off an Ajax defender to make it 2-0.

• Ajax pulled one back in the 33rd minute via a penalty converted by Wout Weghorst, after Tosin Adarabioyo fouled Raúl Moro in the area.

• Just before half‐time, Chelsea were awarded a second penalty (45’), converted by Enzo Fernández. Immediately after (45+6’), another penalty was given for Ajax foul and Estêvão Willian scored to take it to 4-1 at the break.

• Early in the second half (48’), substitute Tyrique George struck from around 20 yards with a deflected shot to make it 5-1.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#CFC | #UCL pic.twitter.com/yJiBTheqOl

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 22, 2025

Chelsea vs Ajax Tactical & performance notes

• With Ajax down to ten men early, Chelsea dominated possession and tempo. ESPN data shows Chelsea had ~65.7% possession, with Ajax only ~34.3%.

• Maresca’s decision to rotate paid off — the youth and fringe players delivered. The Guardian noted that Chelsea became the first team in Champions League history to have three teenage scorers in one game (Guiu, Estêvão, George).

• For Ajax, this was a night of chaos: from the red card to conceding three penalties and the defensive breakdown. The Guardian described the Ajax side as “not fit to lace the boots” of former great teams.

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Impact & what it means

• The win lifts Chelsea’s group stage campaign and gives them momentum. According to the club’s official site: they move up in the standings, with six points from the group stage so far.

• For Ajax, this result raises serious concerns about their European campaign and defensive stability. The red card and penalty-concessions suggest discipline and game-management issues.

• The youthful performances from Chelsea suggest the club’s investment in younger players and rotation strategy is bearing fruit.

Final scoreline

Chelsea 5 – 1 Ajax

Scorers:

• Chelsea: Marc Guiu (18’), Moisés Caicedo (27’), Enzo Fernández (45’pen), Estêvão Willian (45+6’pen), Tyrique George (48’)

• Ajax: Wout Weghorst (33’pen)

Chelsea will next travel in the Champions League two weeks hence. For Ajax, the pressure will mount to recover quickly in domestic and European competition. The fixture underlines the gap on this night in execution and composure between the two sides.

Watch the match Highlight below: