Dastan Satpayev celebrates. Photo: Getty Images.
ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY — Chelsea scored the first goal of the Xabi Alonso era in scintillating fashion in Sydney on Tuesday night.
The Blues took the lead against Western Sydney Wanderers after just six minutes with a brilliant team move that went from back to front and tore through the defence in seven passes and ended with Kazakhstani young gun Dastan Satpayev finishing coolly into the top corner.
The Premier League giants started with a youthful XI against the Wanderers, but still got off to a seriously fast start with the big names on the bench.
This move began with a free-kick deep in their own territory, with Tosin Adarabiyo, goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe and Josh Acheampong getting the ball out to Tayo Subaloye.
He fed Reggie Walsh, who played to Ryan Kavuma McQueen who set Satpayev away with a beautifully weighted through ball.
The 17-year-old, who is not officially a Chelsea player yet due to his age and visa requirements, carried the ball into the area, stared down Jordan Holmes and slammed his finish into the back of the net.
Just like that, the Alonso era was up and running.
However, their lead did not last long, with the Wanderers hitting back in the 13th minute via a close range header from Anthony Pantazopoulos.
Chelsea signed 17-year-old wonderkid Satpayev in February from Kazakh side Kairat Almaty for a reported fee of around £3.3 million (A$6.29m) plus add-ons.
He does not officially become a Blues player until next month when he turns 18, but the club got special dispensation for him to join them on this pre-season tour.
He has already made his debut, scored his first goal and registered eight caps for Kazakhstan at international level, despite his young age.
In 2026, he has scored seven goals in 15 appearances in his nation’s top league – and has drawn comparisons to Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero.
He has been labelled a ‘once in a generation’ talent in his homeland.
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