Chelsea secured a significant pre-season victory, defeating AC Milan 3-0 in Jakarta, Indonesia. The win marks a positive turn for Xabi Alonso‘s side, following previous friendly defeats.
The match saw Joao Pedro score twice, with Moises Caicedo adding a third goal. This performance helped Chelsea claim the 2026 Indonesia Super Cup.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Chelsea maintained control throughout the game, with their efforts culminating in first-half stoppage time when Joao Pedro opened the scoring. The Brazil international, who had missed earlier opportunities, successfully headed home an in-swinging corner from six yards out. This goal broke the deadlock in a match where Chelsea had shown dominance.
The second half began with immediate impact from Chelsea. Just moments after the restart, Joao Pedro doubled his tally and his team’s lead. Pedro Neto delivered a cross to the far post, which Joao Pedro guided past Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani. This quick succession of goals put Chelsea firmly in command of the game.
Four minutes later, Moises Caicedo extended Chelsea‘s lead with a well-executed finish. A half-cleared corner looped to the Blues captain on the edge of the D, and he struck a volley into the far corner of the net with the outside of his right boot. This goal cemented Chelsea‘s lead to 3-0.
Despite the comfortable lead, Chelsea continued to press for more goals. Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson both hit the woodwork, indicating further attacking intent from Alonso‘s team. Milan, managed by Ruben Amorim, struggled to contain Chelsea‘s offensive plays.
Team Line-ups and Player Performances
Xabi Alonso deployed a strong starting eleven for Chelsea, featuring Robert Sanchez in goal. The defence included Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, and Marco Palestra. In midfield, captain Moises Caicedo partnered with Romeo Lavia, while the attack comprised Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, and Danny Welbeck.
Milan‘s starting lineup included Lorenzo Torriani in goal, with a defensive line of Terracciano, De Winter, and Pavlovic. Their midfield featured Chukwueze, Modric, Comotto, and Estupinan, supporting attackers Loftus-Cheek, Leao, and Camarda. Rafael Leao, a Portugal international, posed a threat in the initial period with his direct runs.
During the match, Alonso made several substitutions, introducing players like Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson in the 59th minute for Neto and Welbeck. Later changes included Aaron Anselmino for Jorrel Hato, and Reggie Watson, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Estevao for Caicedo, Palmer, and Joao Pedro. In stoppage time, Mamadou Sarr replaced Fofana.
Milan also made significant changes at halftime, with a raft of substitutions including Gabbia for De Winter, Diawara for Pavlovic, Saelemaekers for Chukwueze, Jashari for Modric, Musah for Comotto, Bartesaghi for Estupinan, Nkunku for Leao, and Ramos for Camarda.
Pre-season Trajectory and Upcoming Fixtures
This victory comes after Chelsea experienced successive friendly defeats against Tottenham and Juventus. The team’s improved performance against AC Milan suggests a positive development under Xabi Alonso‘s management, especially after concerns about the team’s creativity in previous matches.
The Blues will conclude their pre-season schedule with a final friendly match against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday. This match will take place at 8pm local time, which is 1pm in the UK. Following their pre-season tour, Chelsea is set to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign against Fulham on 24 August.
The match against AC Milan was played in sweltering conditions in Jakarta, with an attendance of 40,856 supporters at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Chelsea‘s control of the game from start to finish was a notable aspect of their performance.
Source: bbc.com
