Full Breakdown
Chelsea 0-1 Juventus: Pre-Season Friendly Highlights Return of Mykhailo Mudryk
8/6/2026, 1:42:32 AM
Match Summary
On August 5, 2026 at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, Chelsea hosted Juventus in a pre-season friendly. The only goal came in the 68th minute when Juventus winger Edon Zhegrova received a lay-off from Kenan Yildiz and curled a left-footed strike into the top left corner from outside the box. Chelsea’s defence, reshuffled after the break, could not prevent the finish, and the match ended 1-0 to the Italians.
Background & Context
Both clubs are on Asian tours ahead of the 2026/27 season. Chelsea arrived in Hong Kong after two earlier fixtures in Sydney – a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers on July 28 and a 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur on August 1. Juventus, under Luciano Spalletti, have remained unbeaten in preseason, drawing 0-0 with Basel on July 18 and securing victories over Standard Liège and OGC Nice before the Hong Kong match.
Data & Statistics
- Attendance: 43,575 spectators.
- Score: Juventus 1 – 0 Chelsea.
- Goal: Edon Zhegrova, 68th minute.
- Substitutions (Chelsea): Half-time changes saw Mike Penders replace Robert Sánchez; Nicolas Jackson entered for Danny Welbeck at 46 minutes, later replaced by Mykhailo Mudryk in the 82nd minute.
- Substitutions (Juventus): Kenan Yildiz and Edon Zhegrova entered after the break.
Official Statements & Responses
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso praised the early phases of the game, noting that the team “started pretty well” and created several chances in the first 30-35 minutes. Alonso framed the defeat as part of the preparation process, emphasizing that the match provided “minutes for everyone.”
On-the-Ground Report
The first half was largely uneventful, with both sides fielding experimental line-ups and struggling to produce clear-cut chances. Chelsea’s new signings Danny Welbeck and Geovany Quenda were active on the right flank, while Marco Palestra generated the best early opportunity, only to be denied by Juventus goalkeeper Mattia Perin. After the half-time overhaul, Juventus adopted a more direct approach, exploiting space on the counter-attack. Zhegrova’s strike broke the deadlock, and despite Chelsea’s increased possession in the final ten minutes, they could not equalise.
What’s Next
Chelsea’s Asian itinerary continues with a match against AC Milan at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on August 8 (scheduled). The tour proceeds with a game versus Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia on August 9, followed by a final preseason fixture against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15. Juventus will head to Australia for the remainder of their preseason program.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Really pleased for him. It was emotional for everyone from the club to see him back,” — Xabi Alonso, under new manager
- “I think we started pretty well,” — Xabi Alonso, under new manager
- “Unluckily we didn’t get to win, but for sure it’s the process, it’s minutes for everyone,” — Xabi Alonso, under new manager
