Chelsea 2-0 Leverkusen: Goals and Highlights
Chelsea started their pre-season with a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge. The friendly was attended by 30,000 fans and showed the Blues’ attacking flair and defensive solidity, with debutant Estevao Willian the star of the show.
Chelsea 2-0 Leverkusen
Chelsea started well, dominating the ball from the kick-off. In the 18th minute, it paid off. Cole Palmer chipped a lovely ball into the box, but it hit the crossbar. Estevao, the 18-year-old Brazilian winger signed from Palmeiras for £29m, was quickest to react, volleying the rebound into the net for 1-0. His debut goal showed his composure and quick thinking, and got the Stamford Bridge crowd going.
Chelsea 2-0 Leverkusen: First Half
The Blues controlled the first half; Estevao was a nightmare on the right flank. In the 22nd minute, Tyrique George delivered a pinpoint cross, but Liam Delap’s close-range shot was saved by Leverkusen’s keeper Mark Flekken. Later in the 40th minute, Chelsea’s keeper Filip Jorgensen made a crucial save to deny Alejandro Grimaldo’s free kick, 1-0 at halftime. Leverkusen couldn’t create chances, had just one shot on target.
Chelsea 2-0 Leverkusen: Second Half
Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca made several changes at halftime, bringing on Jorell Hato, Pedro Neto, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Dario Essugo. The subs kept Chelsea sharp, and Hato looked solid at left back. In the 56th minute, Tosin made a crucial block to stop Patrik Schick’s shot, denying Leverkusen an equaliser. Chelsea lost some possession, but their defence was solid, limited Leverkusen’s chances.
Joao Pedro Seals the Win
The game’s decisive moment came in the 90th minute. Substitute Joao Pedro, who replaced Delap in the 64th minute, latched onto a great pass from Jamie Gittens. The young striker slotted a low shot into the bottom corner, beat Flekken to make it 2-0. The goal was clinical and showed Pedro’s case for a starting spot in the Premier League opener.
Man of the Match
Estevao was the man of the match; his goal and flair earned him the award. His link-up with Cole Palmer looked good for the season ahead. Joao Pedro’s late goal showed his finishing ability, and Tosin and Jorgensen kept a clean sheet. Leverkusen looked flat; only Grimaldo and Nathan Tella showed any creativity.
Takeaways and Next Up
Chelsea are ready to go after just four days of pre-season training. The win builds on their Club World Cup win. For Leverkusen, it exposed areas to work on before their Bundesliga season. Chelsea next face AC Milan, and Leverkusen need to regroup.
Chelsea 2-0 Leverkusen: Goals and Highlights
