Chelsea continued their pre-season preparations with a spirited display despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Juventus, as Mykhailo Mudryk made his long-awaited return to action and several new signings enjoyed their first appearances in blue.
Although the result went in Juventus’ favour, there were plenty of encouraging signs for Xabi Alonso’s side, with Mike Penders, Geovany Quenda, and Danny Welbeck all making their Chelsea debuts, while Mudryk stepped back onto the pitch for the first time since November 2024.
Chelsea handed starts to summer arrivals Geovany Quenda and Danny Welbeck, both of whom quickly settled into Alonso’s system.
Quenda was particularly lively down the right flank, combining effectively with Marco Palestra and creating Chelsea’s best attacking moments during an evenly contested opening half.
The Portuguese winger delivered a dangerous cross that Joao Pedro headed narrowly wide before firing over the crossbar himself. Welbeck also impressed with intelligent movement and link-up play, offering an early glimpse of what he could bring to Chelsea’s evolving frontline.
Juventus threatened mainly on the counterattack, but Robert Sanchez, making his return from injury, remained composed whenever called upon as the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.
Chelsea made four substitutions at the interval, introducing Mike Penders, Mamdou Sarr, Estevao Willian, and Nicolas Jackson.
Jackson made an immediate impact with a powerful driving run before releasing Palestra, whose effort was blocked. Moments later, the Italian defender forced an excellent save from Mattia Perin, who also reacted quickly to deny Gittens on the rebound.
Further changes followed just after the hour mark, with Romeo Lavia, Josh Acheampong, Aaron Anselmino, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap, Dastan Satpayev, and Tayo Subuloye all entering the contest.
Chelsea’s positive momentum was halted shortly after the substitutions when Edon Zhegrova produced the game’s defining moment.
Receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area, the Juventus winger unleashed a stunning left-footed strike into the top corner beyond debutant goalkeeper Penders to hand the Serie A giants a 1-0 advantage.
One of the night’s biggest talking points arrived in the closing stages as Mykhailo Mudryk replaced Nicolas Jackson for the final eight minutes.
The Ukrainian international’s appearance marked his first competitive outing for Chelsea since November 2024, providing a significant boost for both the player and the club as he begins his journey back to full fitness.
Chelsea dominated possession during the closing stages and pushed relentlessly for an equaliser.
Estevao Willian tested Perin with a well-struck free-kick, while Aaron Anselmino also forced the Juventus goalkeeper into action.
The final opportunity fell to Romeo Lavia, whose curling effort from 20 yards drifted agonisingly over the crossbar, ensuring Juventus held on for victory.
Chelsea now shifts their attention to the next leg of their Asian tour, where they will face AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday as preparations for the new season continue.
Credit Photo : HongZheng Lim/SNE-Photo
