Chelsea beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 at Stamford Bridge in the first match of the VisitMalta Weekender this weekend.
This was Chelsea’s first friendly since winning the FIFA Club World Cup for the second time. Coach Enzo Maresca made six changes from the team that played in the final against PSG, with only Palmer, Caicedo, Chalobah, Cucurella, and Gusto keeping their places. Levi Colwill was ruled out after picking up an injury on the first day of pre-season and had surgery earlier this week.
Chelsea looked the stronger side from the start and took the lead in the 18th minute. Cole Palmer’s shot hit the post, and new signing Estevao scored from the rebound with his very first touch. Leverkusen struggled to create chances, while Chelsea controlled the game.
Late in the second half, Joao Pedro doubled the lead with a powerful low shot after a well-placed pass, sealing the win for the Blues.
Chelsea play again on Sunday against AC Milan, with the match shown live on TVM Sports+.
After the match, Malta Tourism Authority CEO Carlo Micallef presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James. MTA Chairperson Charles Mangion also attended.
The VisitMalta Weekender celebrates Malta as a lively and high-quality destination, and the ongoing partnership with Chelsea brings fans a mix of sport, culture, and tourism. Fans at the match saw Malta promoted in key areas around Stamford Bridge and Fulham Broadway Underground station.
