Chelsea rounded off their brief but emphatic pre-season with a commanding 4-1 triumph over AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, delivering a sharp reminder that the Blues are roaring into the 2025–26 campaign with energy and purpose.
The performance offered a timely boost ahead of the Premier League curtain-raiser, underlining the squad’s depth, talent, and readiness to hit the ground running.
From the outset, Chelsea imposed their authority. Within the first five minutes, a well-delivered free-kick by skipper Reece James found its way in via an unfortunate deflection from Milan central defender Andrei Coubis, who turned the ball into his own net.
The going only got tougher for the visitors. Just minutes later, Pedro continued his sparkling pre-season form with a powerful header from a Pedro Neto cross, doubling Chelsea’s advantage and reinforcing how quickly the Blues can strike when on song.
Things went from bad to worse for Milan in the 18th minute when Coubis – already having unwittingly scored the own goal – was sent off for hauling down Joao Pedro, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity and reducing the Italians to ten men for what would amount to the majority of the contest. That red card would prove to be a pivotal moment, as Chelsea soared past their undermanned opponents.
The second half only further cemented Chelsea’s dominance. After midfielder Estevao subbed on and quickly made an impact — drawing a foul in the box — Liam Delap coolly dispatched the resulting penalty to make it 3-0 and affirm his growing role in the lineup.
It was clear that Chelsea’s rotating cast of fresh talent and new signings were integrating fluently within Maresca’s system.
Milan managed a glimmer of hope when Youssouf Fofana scored a consolation goal, demonstrating some of their trademark grit even in the face of adversity. But Delap wasn’t finished.
Late in the game, a precise pass from Andrey Santos put him through on goal, and he fired home his second of the match to seal a comprehensive 4-1 win.
Chelsea’s performance showcased not just their firepower but their flexibility. Young players and new signings alike made telling contributions — Pedro continuing his prolific run with another goal, Delap showing poacher’s instinct and composure off the bench, and Estevao illustrating maturity far beyond his years by winning a crucial penalty.
Midfield dynamo Moises Caicedo anchored the engine room with energy and tenacity, dominating territory and distributing with purpose.
James also showed up strongly, winning the free-kick that led to the opener and remaining a driving creative presence down the right. Conversely, Enzo Fernandez had a quieter outing, although he did test the Milan goalkeeper from range.
This match also served as a stage for AC Milan’s latest recruit, Luka Modrić, who made his debut in the second half. Despite his vast experience and leadership pedigree, Modrić couldn’t shift the momentum, as Milan struggled to sustain possession or threaten meaningfully.