ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY — Well, that was fun.
For any Chelsea fans who started the game disappointed that they would have to wait an hour for the heavyweights to enter the fray, they’ll have left having seen a 10-minute second-half hat trick from star striker Joao Pedro, a glimpse of their brightest academy prospects, a cracking last half hour and, with what tends to happen in each of these games, left with a newfound respect for some of the qualities of the A-League opposition.
The Wanderers came from a goal down to lead 2-1, 3-2 and 4-3, but each time the Premier League opponent, both the largely academy version and the superstar XI, went behind, they fought back in Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge. And, when it came to the crunch, eight goals and 85 minutes into the game, Cole Palmer thread an inch perfect pass for Joao Pedro to stride onto to put Chelsea ahead, before he went on to seal his treble and the 10th goal of the game.
JOAO PEDRO HAT-TRICK OFF THE BENCH! 🔥
Chelsea go 6-4 up in this epic Sydney Super Cup opener! 🤩
Stream #CHEvWSW live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/sqATt38BKp — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 28, 2026
The Wanderers lead AGAIN against Chelsea – and what a goal it was! 🔥
An epic turn and finish from Dylan Scicluna puts Western Sydney 3-2 up in the Sydney Super Cup opener! 👏
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— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 28, 2026
Accor Stadium was filled with fans hoping for a glimpse of Cole Palmer but until then it was Dylan Scicluna who was the star of the Sydney Super Cup clash between the Premier League and A-League clubs.
You know you’re at a pre-season friendly when you see 15 substitutes stand to attention on the hour mark ready to enter the fray, but the fans who waited patiently for a glimpse of the likes of Estevao and Joao Pedro were heavily entertained over the opening hour, with the 22-year-old Wanderers midfielder’s classy display in the middle of the park capped by his stunning touch, footwork and left-boot strike, a great reminder to the Premier League fans watching on of the quality on show in the local league in Australia each week.
If any of the Chelsea faithful who turned up to Accor Stadium were disappointed they didn’t see the big boys from the off, they saw a glimpse of some of the brightest prospects in the Premier League.
That included 16-year-old Australian born midfielder Mahdi Nicoli-Jazulli, who in the second half sat in an attacking pocket alongside fellow prodigious 16-year-old talent Reggie Walsh, with another 16-year-old, Reggie Watson, the driving force behind them.
The Sydney born teen looked right at home, stationed on the left, finding clever pockets of space in between the lines, playing simple, calm passes and turning quickly, playing forward, on every opportunity. Interestingly, he was left on the park when Alonso brought on the heavy artillery; what an experience and endorsement for the youngster.
Those Chelsea fans also saw an entertaining encounter, thanks to the intensity Western Sydney’s experienced XI brought to the encounter. Their fans, perhaps disconsolate after another wretched season, saw glimpses in Ufuk Talay’s first major test that look positive – including the return of former Johnny Warren Medalist Nicolas Milanovic off the bench in the second half.
Slick football get Chelsea level right before half time 🔥
Dário Essugo's cool finish quickly cancels out Wanderers lead in the Sydney Super Cup ✋
Stream #CHEvWSW live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/uplUFVy10u — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 28, 2026
Touch, turn, finish 🔥
Just look what putting the Wanderers ahead against Chelsea meant to 22-year-old Aydan Hammond ❤️🖤
Stream #CHEvWSW live and exclusive on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/pGeCfCbfu3 — Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 28, 2026
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