Chelsea secured a convincing 5-1 victory over Ajax in their UEFA Champions League Matchday 3 clash at Stamford Bridge on October 22, 2025. The Blues capitalized on an early red card to Ajax's Kenneth Taylor, scoring five goals including three penalties in the first half. Ajax managed a brief response but couldn't overcome the numerical disadvantage.
The match kicked off at 3 p.m. EDT at Stamford Bridge in London, with Chelsea looking to build on their mixed start to the Champions League campaign. Ajax entered the game goalless in the competition, having lost 2-0 to Inter and 4-0 to Marseille. Chelsea had previously fallen 3-1 to Bayern Munich, where Cole Palmer scored in the 29th minute after Trevoh Chalobah's own goal, and suffered a late red card to João Pedro in a loss to Benfica.
Just before the 18th minute, Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor received a red card for a challenge on Chelsea's Facundo Buonanotte, leaving the visitors with 10 men. Moments later, Chelsea took the lead when Wesley Fofana headed across goal from a cross, allowing Marc Guiu to tap in at 18 minutes.
Chelsea doubled their advantage in the 27th minute through Moises Caicedo, whose shot from outside the box took a deflection and beat Ajax goalkeeper Remko Pasveer. Ajax pulled one back from the penalty spot in the 31st minute, with Wout Weghorst converting to make it 2-1.
Before halftime, Chelsea restored their two-goal lead when Weghorst conceded a penalty, which Enzo Fernández dispatched in the 45th minute. Shortly after, Estêvão won and converted another penalty for his first Champions League goal, making it 4-1 at the break. This marked the first UEFA Champions League game with three penalties scored in the first half.
In the second half, Tyrique George added a fifth for Chelsea in the 51st minute, finishing confidently after a break inside the box. Ajax couldn't mount a comeback, sealing Chelsea's dominant performance.
Key Statistics
- Chelsea goals: Marc Guiu (18'), Moises Caicedo (27'), Enzo Fernández (45' pen), Estêvão (45' pen), Tyrique George (51')
- Ajax goal: Wout Weghorst (31' pen)
- Red cards: Kenneth Taylor (Ajax, pre-18')