Warm-up match starts 2-0! Completely defeated Tenhager and Chelsea starts the Premier League championship

Club World Cup champion Chelsea played a pre-season friendly match at Stamford Bridge Stadium against Leverkusen, coached by Eric Tenhager.

Chelsea showed calmness and professional performance at Stamford Bridge Stadium, defeating Leverkusen 2-0.

Estewan and Joao Pedro each scored a goal in the first and second half to ensure that the victory was deserved.

The Blues started with a blissful momentum, and immediately put pressure on Leverkusen with a series of early corner kicks. Within 10 minutes of the game, Mark Cucurella, Estewan and Cole Palmer played a delicate cooperation on the left, testing visiting goalkeeper Mark Fleken. Andre Santos and Marlo Gusto both tried long shots, while Liam Drapp forced the opposing goalkeeper to make a close save.

Leverkusen also used counterattacks to create some threats, with Alex Grimaldo posing a major threat from the wing area, forcing Chelsea goalkeeper Philip Jorgensen to make two wonderful long-range saves.

But the first breakthrough of the game came in the 18th minute, after a wave of Chelsea offensive. Cucurelia made a cross, Palmer shot from a small angle and hit the crossbar. In the subsequent melee, Delapp's shot was saved. The rebound ended up at Estewan's feet. He reacted the fastest, shooting from close range with his left foot straight into the upper left corner of the goal, giving the Blues a well-deserved 1-0 lead and scoring his first appearance on behalf of the team.

Chelsea control the situation for the rest of the first half, but failed to expand its lead. Enzo Maresca's only concern came from several player injuries that caused the game to be interrupted, especially Nathan Tra and Marlow Gusto, but Chelsea entered the break with a lead without any damage.

The second half continued to be strong

The second half began, and the coaches of both sides made substitution adjustments. Chelsea rotated extensively, with Rees James, Pedro Neto, João Pedro, Jorell Harto, Dario Essugo and Tosin Adarabioyu, while Leverkusen replaced Jeremiah Mensa. The home team maintained the intensity of the game, creating shots for Estewan, Terrick George and Pedro Neto, but Fleken continued to perform well in front of the goal. Leverkusen tried to gain a foothold, Patrick Hick's close-range shot was blocked, and Victor Bonifas, who came on the bench, missed a shot at the end of the game. 15 minutes before the end of the game, Chelsea looks more likely to score again. Neto's two long shots tested Fleken, and Harto and Gittens cooperated to create another opportunity, but unfortunately the shot was slightly off. Leverkusen replaced Ben Harvester and Alejo Salco, but failed to bring an offensive spark, and the visitors were increasingly forced to use fouls to stop Chelsea's offensive and defensive transition.

The second goal appeared in the 90th minute. After a smooth midfield pass, Joao Pedro found space in the middle of the penalty area. The Brazilian player shot low with his right foot, and the ball penetrated into the lower left corner of the goal, finally piercing through Fleken's fingers and locked in the victory.

It was a frustrating night for Leverkusen and Tenhager. They have had ball possession periods but lack penetration. Fleken was their best player, avoiding the team's even more tragic defeat with several excellent saves.

For Chelsea, this victory will make players and fans happy. There will be high expectations for the new season, and it looks like the Blues will start to attack the top of the league at the beginning of the 2025-26 season.

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