Chelsea kicked off their pre-season marketing campaign with a formidable 2-0 victory in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge on Friday (August 8), showcasing their thrilling new signings and youthful expertise.
The match, marked by a dominant show from the Blues, noticed Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian and summer time recruit Joao Pedro steal the highlight with their goal-scoring heroics.
Estevao Willian’s dream debut
Estevao Willian, the 18-year-old Brazilian participant, made an instantaneous influence on his Stamford Bridge debut. Simply 17 minutes into the match, Estevao capitalized on a rebound from Cole Palmer’s lobbed effort that struck the crossbar, slotting dwelling a close-range end to open the scoring.
His purpose was solely a part of the story. Estevao’s fearless dribbling and runs down the flank left Leverkusen’s defenders struggling.
Joao Pedro’s heroics
Whereas Estevao set the tone, it was one other new signing, Joao Pedro, who sealed the victory with a surprising purpose within the ultimate minute. The previous Brighton attacker, launched instead, showcased his expertise by taking the ball on the sting of the field and firing a low, zipping shot into the underside nook.
The Stamford Bridge trustworthy erupted, already embracing Pedro as a fan favourite. His late strike not solely secured the 2-0 win but in addition highlighted the attacking depth Chelsea possess heading into the brand new season.
Chelsea’s dominance and rising expertise
Chelsea displayed their dominance within the sport from begin to end, significantly within the first half, the place they’d the command of possession and territory. Regardless of Leverkusen’s incapacity to interrupt out of their half, Chelsea’s fluency waned barely within the second interval because of a number of substitutions. Nevertheless, glimpses of their attacking expertise have been evident, with moments of brilliance from their younger stars.
Andrey Santos, who joined the workforce in 2023, obtained the prospect to show his expertise within the sport as he began alongside Liam Delap, the brand new striker. However Delap had a troublesome sport and was taken off after about an hour, with Pedro stealing the present after approaching.
One other sub, Jorrel Hato, made a huge impact by stopping a harmful transfer from Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick. Younger gamers Josh Acheampong and Tyrique George have been additionally spectacular through the conflict. Acheampong, who’s 19, obtained away with a mistake, whereas George generally rushed his performs however regarded promising.
What’s subsequent for the Blues?
Chelsea’s pre-season will proceed with a pleasant in opposition to AC Milan this weekend. The Premier League marketing campaign kicks off in opposition to Crystal Palace subsequent Sunday, the place Enzo Maresca’s aspect will look to construct on this promising efficiency.
With Estevao and Joao Pedro already making their mark, Chelsea followers can be eagerly ready for the opposite stars to shine as nicely.
