ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY – Western Sydney Wanderers have given Chelsea an early scare in their pre-season tour of Australia, coming from behind to take the lead in an entertaining first half in Sydney.
Ufuk Talay’s side fell behind in the sixth minute when Dastan Satpayev put the finishing touches on a scintillating team move, but the Blues’ lead did not last long.
Anthony Pantazopoulos quickly levelled up the scores in the 13th minute with a close-range header, before the Wanderers went ahead in the 32nd minute through young gun Aydan Hammond.
The Wanderers are level against Chelsea! 💥
Goal-line technology not needed after this Pantazopoulos' header 👀
Stream #CHEvWSW live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/VReaj6kPcz — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 28, 2026
Chelsea started with a youthful XI in Xabi Alonso’s first match in charge and the youngsters showed glimpses of quality in the opening stages.
However, a full strength Wanderers made them pay as Hammond received the ball in the box, produced a brilliant piece of skill to get around Josh Acheampong and slotted the ball past Teddy Sharman-Lowe at the near post.
The Wanderers LEAD against Premier League club Chelsea FC 🤯
Aydan Hammond with some quick feet and a brilliant finish to complete Western Sydney's come back in game one of the Sydney Super Cup 💪
Stream #CHEvWSW live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/GvX9U7KLbr — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 28, 2026
The A-League outfit, who finished last on the ladder last term, continued putting the pressure on the visitors after that with some nice touches on the ball.
Chelsea did not stay behind for long though, with Dario Essugo exchanging a one-two on the edge of the box, before curling a nice finish past Jordan Holmes.
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