Chelsea produced a composed {and professional} show at Stamford Bridge to see off Bayer Leverkusen 2–0 in a pre-season pleasant.
Objectives in both half from Estevao and Joao Pedro ensured the world champions have been good worth for his or her win.
The Blues began brightly, instantly placing Leverkusen beneath stress with a succession of early corners.
Inside the primary 10 minutes, Marc Cucurella, Estevao, and Cole Palmer mixed nicely down the left, testing Mark Flekken within the guests’ aim.
Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto each tried their luck from distance, whereas Liam Delap compelled a close-range save.
Leverkusen had their moments on the break, with Alex Grimaldo posing the primary menace from broad areas, forcing Filip Jorgensen into two sensible saves from lengthy vary.
However the first breakthrough got here within the 18th minute after a wave of Chelsea stress. Palmer struck the bar from a decent angle following Cucurella’s cross, and from the following scramble, Delap noticed his effort saved.
The rebound ultimately fell to Estevao, who reacted quickest to smash a left-footed shot excessive into the highest nook from shut vary, giving the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead and marking his debut with a aim.
The rest of the primary half noticed Chelsea in management with out including to their benefit.
The one concern for Enzo Maresca’s facet got here from a few accidents that led to stoppages, notably to Nathan Tella and Malo Gusto, however Chelsea reached half-time forward with none main scares.
Extra of the Similar
The second half started with each managers turning to their benches. Chelsea made wholesale modifications, introducing Reece James, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Jorrel Hato, Dario Essugo, and Tosin Adarabioyo, whereas Leverkusen introduced on Jeremiah Mensah.
The hosts maintained their depth, creating taking pictures alternatives for Estevao, Tyrique George, and Pedro Neto, although Mark Flekken continued to work nicely in internet.
Leverkusen tried to discover a foothold, with Patrik Schick seeing a close-range strike blocked and substitute Victor Boniface flashing a shot broad late on.
Within the ultimate quarter-hour, Chelsea regarded the extra prone to rating. Neto twice examined Flekken from distance, whereas Hato and Gittens mixed for an additional probability that flew simply broad.
Leverkusen’s introduction of Ben Hawighorst and Alejo Sarco supplied little attacking spark, and the guests have been more and more compelled into fouls to halt Chelsea’s transitions.
The second aim arrived within the ninetieth minute. A pointy passing transfer via midfield allowed Joao Pedro to search out house within the centre of the field.
The Brazilian drilled a low right-footed shot into the underside left nook, lastly beating Flekken and sealing the win
For Leverkusen and Erik ten Hag, this was a irritating night. They’d spells of possession however lacked penetration. Flekken was their standout performer, stopping a heavier defeat with a number of good saves.
For Chelsea, this win will please each gamers and supporters.
Expectations can be excessive going into the brand new season, and it appears like this Blues facet can be competing proper on the prime finish going into 2025-26.
