Football | Chelsea 2 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen

The world champions were back in action

Chelsea marked their return to Stamford Bridge with a confident win over Bayer Leverkusen

Author | Lewis W

Stadium | Stamford Bridge 

Chelsea players celebrate

Fewer than four weeks after lifting the Club World Cup in New Jersey, Enzo Maresca’s side looked sharp and assured as preparations for the 2025-26 campaign gathered pace.

The hosts began with purpose despite having had only four days of training. Cole Palmer and Estevao combined fluently down the right, troubling the German champions with their movement and passing. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Palmer’s effort rattled the crossbar and Estevao reacted quickest to tuck in the rebound for his first goal at Stamford Bridge.

Leverkusen offered little threat, with only two first-half free kicks forcing goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen into action. Chelsea’s intensity continued after the interval. Tyrique George swung in a dangerous cross for Liam Delap, whose close-range effort was beaten away by the Leverkusen keeper.

READ MORE | Click here for more Chelsea news and stories

Maresca made several changes at the break, introducing fresh legs while sustaining the pressure. Substitute Jamie Gittens almost doubled the lead after weaving into the box and setting up Estevao, who shot narrowly wide.

The contest was sealed late on when Genesis Antwi surged down the right and picked out João Pedro with a precise cut-back. The Brazilian controlled well before driving his shot into the bottom corner, ensuring Chelsea’s evening ended on a high.

It was an encouraging display that underlined both the depth and promise within the squad. With new signings bedding in and academy graduates making their case, Chelsea now turn their focus to their final pre-season outing against AC Milan on Sunday, again in front of their home support.

Best Chelsea reaction 

Lauren spoke about being impressed with the strength in Chelsea's squad: "We now boast competition across every position, the sort of depth essential for success. Players will hopefully push one another to reach their peak, with healthy rivalry ensuring everyone fights for a place in the starting XI. That hunger to be on the pitch from the first whistle is, for any manager, the ideal scenario."

Another optimistic fan posted this on X/Twitter: "We have sent out a message that they are not rusty, unfit or out of practice following the Club World Cup."