Chelsea’s pre-season tour concluded with a 3-3 draw against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in a fiery encounter. Liam Delap netted twice from the penalty spot for Chelsea, who saw five players booked during the match.
New manager Xabi Alonso made 11 changes to the squad for the friendly, resting players after a victory against Milan just 24 hours earlier. The match saw JDT take the lead, before Delap levelled and then put Chelsea ahead. JDT equalised and then retook the lead with four minutes remaining, only for Mykhailo Mudryk to force an own goal in the final minute, securing a draw.
The game was marked by an intense atmosphere, with JDT players treating the friendly like a competitive fixture. Chelsea players also struggled to keep their tempers in check, resulting in bookings for Delap, Nicolas Jackson, Estêvão, Geovany Quenda, and Reggie Watson.
Alonso now has less than two weeks to prepare his squad for the Premier League season opener against Fulham on 24 August. Key players, including Morgan Rogers, Reece James, and Enzo Fernández, are due to return to training this week.