Jakarta: Chelsea secure 3-0 pre-season victory over AC Milan
Chelsea’s Dominant Performance in Jakarta
Chelsea achieved a notable 3-0 victory over AC Milan in Jakarta, Indonesia, securing the 2026 Indonesia Super Cup. The match saw Joao Pedro score two goals, complemented by a strike from Moises Caicedo. This pre-season win follows previous friendly defeats for Chelsea against Tottenham and Juventus.
The Blues, under new manager Xabi Alonso, maintained control throughout the game. The opening goal came in first-half stoppage time when Joao Pedro headed home an in-swinging corner from Moises Caicedo. Earlier in the half, Joao Pedro had missed two opportunities but capitalised on this chance from six yards.
The Chelsea squad for the match included Robert Sanchez in goal, with a defensive line of Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Jorrel Hato, and Marco Palestra. The midfield featured captain Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, while the attack comprised Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Pedro Neto, and Danny Welbeck. The game was played in warm conditions, with supporters inside the GBK Stadium reacting to each attack.
Second Half Surge and Further Chances
The second half began with immediate impact from Chelsea. Just moments after the restart, Joao Pedro scored his second goal, guiding a cross from Pedro Neto past Milan goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani. This quick goal further solidified Chelsea’s lead.
Four minutes later, Moises Caicedo added a third goal. From a corner delivered by Romeo Lavia, Caicedo struck a volley from the edge of the D into the far corner of the net using the outside of his right boot. This goal extended Chelsea’s advantage to 3-0.
Chelsea continued to create chances to increase their lead. Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson, who came on as substitutes, both hit the woodwork. Cole Palmer also threatened with a shot from 18 yards that Torriani saved. Jackson, after coming on, was impactful, forcing the Milan defence back and setting up Palmer for another save by Torriani. Quenda also had a shot that went wide.
Squad Changes and Upcoming Fixtures
During the match, Milan made several changes at halftime, while Alonso maintained his starting XI for the first time in pre-season. Later in the second half, Alonso introduced several substitutes for Chelsea. Geovany Quenda and Nicolas Jackson replaced Pedro Neto and Danny Welbeck. Aaron Anselmino came on for Jorrel Hato. In the closing stages, Reggie Watson, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Estevao were introduced for Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro, respectively. Mamadou Sarr replaced Wesley Fofana in stoppage time.
Milan’s starting lineup included Torriani in goal, with Terracciano, De Winter, Pavlovic, and Estupinan in defence. The midfield featured Chukwueze, Modric, Comotto, and Loftus-Cheek, while Leao and Camarda led the attack. Rafael Leao posed a threat in the opening period, but was contained by Acheampong and Fofana. Luka Modric had a shot blocked, and Strahinja Pavlovic had a shot that went wide, but Chelsea’s goal remained largely untroubled.
Following this victory, Chelsea will conclude their pre-season tour with a match against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday. The team will then return to London for a match against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea is scheduled to begin their 2026-27 Premier League campaign against Fulham on 24 August.
Source: bbc.com
