Chelsea’s Robert Sánchez Snubs Barcelona, Backs Blues as Champions League Favourites

Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez has boldly declared his club—not Barcelona—as favourites to win this season’s UEFA Champions League following the Blues’ dominant 3-0 victory over the Catalan giants on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Estevão, Liam Delap, and a Jules Kounde own goal sealed an emphatic win for Enzo Maresca’s men, marking one of Chelsea’s most commanding European performances in recent years.

Speaking to El Chiringuito TV after the match, Sánchez didn’t hold back.
When asked if Barcelona should be considered title favourites, he replied:

“Barça among the favorites to win the Champions League? No, I see us as favorites.”

He also heaped praise on his teammate Marc Cucurella, who delivered one of his best performances in a Chelsea shirt by neutralizing Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal:

“Cucurella has Lamine Yamal in his pocket.”

Chelsea will face Barcelona again this weekend—this time in Premier League action—adding more tension to a fixture that already feels like a budding rivalry.

Opinion: Confidence or Cockiness? Sánchez’s Statement Sends a Message

Robert Sánchez’s comments might raise eyebrows, but they also reflect the renewed confidence pumping through this Chelsea side.

Chelsea didn’t just beat Barcelona—they dismantled them.
A team that was once accused of lacking identity now plays with purpose, energy, and hunger. Young talents like Estevão and Delap are rising fast, while players like Cucurella, often doubted, are showing world-class levels under Maresca.

So, is Sánchez wrong to call Chelsea favourites?
Maybe not.

Football runs on momentum, and right now, the Blues are playing like a team that believes in itself. For the first time in years, Chelsea fans can see not just potential—but actual results.

Still, confidence must be managed carefully. Declaring themselves Champions League favourites so early could become motivational fuel for other clubs—especially a wounded Barcelona side preparing for a rematch this weekend.

But one thing is certain:
If Chelsea keep playing like this, Sánchez’s prediction might not be far-fetched.