Chelsea 5-1 Ajax; Maresca Praises Youth

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said Enzo Fernández had returned to training and was a late decision for the Ajax tie as the squad remained stretched by injuries and recent suspensions. Liam Delap is close to returning but not yet training, while Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill and Benoît Badiashile were unavailable and Palmer may be sidelined until November; João Pedro missed the Ajax game through suspension. Maresca made heavy rotation from the Nottingham Forest XI, making 10 changes and entrusting youth. That approach was vindicated as Chelsea beat Ajax 5-1 in the Champions League, with teenagers Marc Guiu, Estevao and Tyrique George scoring — a Champions League first. Maresca defended the rotation and said he prefers a light-touch, teaching approach to discipline rather than additional punishments.