Chelsea produced a composed and professional display at Stamford Bridge to see off Bayer Leverkusen 2–0 in a pre-season friendly.
Goals in either half from Estevao and Joao Pedro ensured the world champions were good value for their win.
The Blues started brightly, immediately putting Leverkusen under pressure with a succession of early corners.
Inside the first 10 minutes, Marc Cucurella, Estevao, and Cole Palmer combined well down the left, testing Mark Flekken in the visitors’ goal.
Andrey Santos and Malo Gusto both tried their luck from distance, while Liam Delap forced a close-range save.
Leverkusen had their moments on the break, with Alex Grimaldo posing the main threat from wide areas, forcing Filip Jorgensen into two smart saves from long range.
But the first breakthrough came in the 18th minute after a wave of Chelsea pressure. Palmer struck the bar from a tight angle following Cucurella’s cross, and from the ensuing scramble, Delap saw his effort saved.
The rebound eventually fell to Estevao, who reacted quickest to smash a left-footed shot high into the top corner from close range, giving the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead and marking his debut with a goal.
The remainder of the first half saw Chelsea in control without adding to their advantage.
The only concern for Enzo Maresca’s side came from a couple of injuries that led to stoppages, notably to Nathan Tella and Malo Gusto, but Chelsea reached half-time ahead without any major scares.
More of the Same
The second half began with both managers turning to their benches. Chelsea made wholesale changes, introducing Reece James, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro, Jorrel Hato, Dario Essugo, and Tosin Adarabioyo, while Leverkusen brought on Jeremiah Mensah.
The hosts maintained their intensity, creating shooting opportunities for Estevao, Tyrique George, and Pedro Neto, though Mark Flekken continued to work well in net.
Leverkusen attempted to find a foothold, with Patrik Schick seeing a close-range strike blocked and substitute Victor Boniface flashing a shot wide late on.
In the final 15 minutes, Chelsea looked the more likely to score. Neto twice tested Flekken from distance, while Hato and Gittens combined for another chance that flew just wide.
Leverkusen’s introduction of Ben Hawighorst and Alejo Sarco offered little attacking spark, and the visitors were increasingly forced into fouls to halt Chelsea’s transitions.
The second goal arrived in the 90th minute. A sharp passing move through midfield allowed Joao Pedro to find space in the centre of the box.
The Brazilian drilled a low right-footed shot into the bottom left corner, finally beating Flekken and sealing the win
For Leverkusen and Erik ten Hag, this was a frustrating evening. They had spells of possession but lacked penetration. Flekken was their standout performer, preventing a heavier defeat with several good saves.
For Chelsea, this win will please both players and supporters.
Expectations will be high going into the new season, and it looks like this Blues side will be competing right at the top end going into 2025-26.
