Chelsea: Between domestic brilliance and European ambition

Chelsea, under manager Enzo Maresca, have climbed to second place in the Premier League after a string of impressive victories, including a resounding 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League, reflecting their transformation into a rising force capable of competing for titles this season. Over the past few years, the London club has faced widespread criticism for its squad-building approach, which has relied on signing highly promising young players and offering them long-term contracts, often at a significant cost if some deals fall through . The current 2025-2026 season saw a shaky start for the Blues, with draws against Crystal Palace and Brentford, defeats to Manchester United and Brighton, and a heavy loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, leading many to question their ability to compete for trophies. However, results have gradually improved, with the team recording nine wins in their last 11 matches across all competitions, restoring confidence in their European and domestic competitiveness . The current Chelsea squad boasts a wealth of promising young talents such as Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, Jimmy Gittens, Liam Delap, and Estevão, who are showing remarkable improvement, while experienced players like Reece James and Marc Cucurella continue to provide crucial leadership on the pitch. In midfield, Enzo Fernandez and Moisés Caicedo stand out as some of the best midfielders in the world, and the team is adept at utilizing their potential in big matches . The London club's victory over Barcelona was the result of a cohesive team performance, with complete control of the game despite some disallowed goals, confirming that the team is now capable of competing with Europe's elite. The Premier League and the Champions League are realistic targets for the team this season, with a crucial upcoming match against Arsenal that could prove decisive in the league race, while the Champions League seems more attainable given the team's current capabilities. The return of injured Cole Palmer further strengthens the team's chances of competing for titles, confirming that Chelsea has become a force to be reckoned with both domestically and in Europe.