Chelsea cantered to a dominant 2-0 victory over Erik Ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen side in their first friendly game this summer. The Blues were in commanding form in the game, controlling 70 percent of the possession and limiting their opponents to just two shots on target in the match.
Brazilian teenage sensation William Estevao opened the scoring for the Blues in the 18th minute after he tapped in from close range after sustained pressure from the World Champions. The hosts held their lead into the break, where they made four changes, with Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, and Pedro Neto coming on for Marc Cucurella, Trevor Chalobah, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer. Malo Gusto, Tyrique George, and Liam Delap went off just after the hour mark for Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, and Reece James.
Aaron Anselmino, Sam Rak-Sakyi, and Genesis Antwi came on for Josh Acheampong, Andrey Santos, and Estevao to see the game end with 10 different outfielders from those who started the match. Joao Pedro wrapped up the goal scoring on the 90th minute with a fine strike to double his side’s tally and wrap up the win.
Chelsea will Play AC Milan Next
Chelsea are set to host AC Milan on the 10th of August in their final friendly game of the preseason. The Blues will face three former players in Christian Pulisic, Fikayo Tomori, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The Blues will hope the clash can see them get back into their best form ahead of their EPL season opener against Crystal Palace just a week after the game.
The Blues have strengthened again this summer, with Jamie Gittens, Dario Essugo, William Estevao, Jorrel Hato, Joao Pedro, and Liam Delap all joining the World Champions this summer. The Blues will, however, be without Levi Colwill, who has suffered an ACL injury, while Enzo Fernandez and Benoit Badiashile are nursing minor injuries ahead of the game.