Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen

A warm summer night at Stamford Bridge set the perfect stage for Chelsea’s return to action, and the reigning Club World Cup champions made it count with a confident 2–0 win over Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. From the first whistle, the Blues exuded sharpness and intent, pressing high and dictating the tempo against a side known for their own quick transitions. The crowd was treated to a mix of established stars and fresh faces eager to impress before the season’s competitive fixtures kick in.

The breakthrough came early, and it was a moment straight from a dream debut. Brazilian teenager Estêvão, making his first Chelsea appearance, pounced on an opportunity in the 18th minute after Cole Palmer’s delicate lob smacked against the crossbar. Calm under pressure, the youngster tapped home, immediately endearing himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful. His composure and flair hinted at the special talent Chelsea have brought into their ranks this summer.

Leverkusen, to their credit, didn’t fold after going behind. The German side maintained their structure and looked for chances on the counter, forcing Chelsea’s backline to stay alert. The visitors carved out a couple of half-chances before the break, but goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic and his defense kept things tidy, ensuring the first half ended with the Blues holding a deserved lead. The match had a balanced intensity—competitive enough to entertain, yet relaxed enough to experiment with tactics and personnel.

As the second half began, Chelsea’s bench depth came into focus. Mauricio Pochettino rang the changes, giving opportunities to several fringe players and academy prospects, including the lively Jamie Gittens. Despite the rotation, Chelsea’s rhythm didn’t falter. The fresh legs kept Bayer Leverkusen pinned back, and while the visitors had occasional forays forward, the home side remained in control, patiently waiting for the killer second goal.

That moment arrived right at the death. In the 90th minute, João Pedro found himself in the right place at the right time, latching onto a loose ball and smashing it into the net to seal the result. It was a fitting conclusion to a well-managed performance, with Chelsea showing both attacking promise and defensive discipline. For supporters, the evening was more than just a preseason friendly—it was a glimpse into an exciting blend of youthful talent and seasoned quality, setting an optimistic tone for the challenges ahead.

Watch and Download Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen full match replay and highlights, At Friday, August 08, 2025. The match played at Stamford Bridge in Friendly.