Chelsea lost 1-0 to Juventus in their most recent pre-season fixture despite some bright performances from their summer signings.
Xabi Alonso decided to start Danny Welbeck at the top of the pitch as well as Geovany Quenda on the right with both players showing signs of creativity during a rather dull first half which finished goalless. Quenda formed a strong partnership with right-back Marco Palestra which could be a useful tool for Alonso to exploit once the season begins.
Unfortunately, this pre-season clash in Hong Kong had all the markings of a friendly with a slow tempo and a lack of rhythm from both teams. Neither managed to challenge the goalkeepers regularly enough to be threatening.
The winning goal was a stunner though as Edon Zhegrova received the ball on the edge of the box and whipped a first-time effort into the far top corner. The strike was enough to win the game and leave Alonso with more questions to answer next time out.
Relive the action from Chelsea v Juventus with our live blog below:
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Chelsea v Juventus live
- Chelsea beaten by Juventus 1-0 in pre-season friendly | Live on CFC+
- Danny Welbeck makes first appearance and subbed at half-time
- Edon Zhegrova curls in only goal to give Serie A side victory
Full-time! Chelsea 0-1 Juventus
14:26 , Mike Jones90+4 mins: Another pre-season defeat for Chelsea as Edon Zhegrova’s stunner was the difference between the teams.
Chelsea 0-1 Juventus
14:22 , Mike Jones90 mins: There’s no way through for Chelsea as Juventus look to defend this lead.
Only four minutes of added tim remain.
Chelsea 0-1 Juventus
14:19 , Mike Jones85 mins: Into the last five minutes of this game and, though Chelsea are pushing for it, they chaven;t been able to create many clear cut chances.
Chelsea 0-1 Juventus
14:14 , Mike Jones81 mins: Xabi Alonso has brought on Mykhailo Mudryk.
Mudryk has been banned from football since 2024 but his ban was recently overturned by CAS and he is allowed to play again.
He receives a warm round of applause for his introduction.
Chelsea 0-1 Juventus
14:08 , Mike Jones76 mins: Chelsea haven’t been able to counteract the opening goal from Juventus.
The Italian side now seem in control and they look as though their lead will be enough to win this game.
Chelsea 0-1 Juventus
14:03 , Mike Jones70 mins: A hydration break follows immediately after the goal.
Ther’es 20 minutes to play. Can Chelsea respond?
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Juventus (Edon Zhegrova, 67')
14:00 , Mike JonesBreakthrough!
Juventus have been growing in confidence as work the ball inside from the right.
Yildiz holds up the ball and slips it to Edon Zhegrova who takes a touch and curls the shot past Penders and into the back of the net!
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:56 , Mike Jones63 mins: Palestra gets inot space on the right wing (he’s been Chelsea’ sbest player today) and wins them a corner.
Estevao comes across to take it and swings the set piece into the middle of the box.
Fofana wants a handball but the referee isn’t interested.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:51 , Mike Jones60 mins: An hour played.
Chelsea build up slowly from their free kick and work the ball out to the rigth to Palestra.
He tries to feed Estevao but doesn;t get the pass quite right.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:50 , Mike Jones57 mins: Nicolas Jackson is hacked down by Douglas Luiz as Chelsea threaten to break away on the counter attack.
It’s a cynical tackle and a sore one for Jackson. The striker is back on his feet though and will play on.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:44 , Mike Jones54 mins: Estevao puts a corner into the box which is aimed at the near post.
Fofana is the nearest Chelsea body but he can’t get the ball under control and Juve scoop it away.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:42 , Mike Jones51 mins: Chance!
Chelsea launch the ball over the top and Marco Palestra goes sprinting after it. He gets to the ball and latches onto a first time shot that the goalkeeper fumbles.
Jamie Gittens is hunting down the loose ball but can;t get there before the keeper regains his composure and smothers the ball.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:39 , Mike Jones48 mins: Juventus have made a bunch of changes as well. Can the substitutes ignite a bit of tempo to this match?
Second half! Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:38 , Mike JonesThere’s a few changes made from Xabi Alonso.
Estevao is on and so to is Nicolas Jackson. Geovany Quenda and Danny Welbeck have gone off.
Other changes have Mike Penders in goal for Robert Sanchez with Mamadou Sarr on for Tosin Adarabioyo.
HT Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:28 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:21 , Mike Jones45 mins: Goalless at the break.
There will no doubt be changes for the second half. A bit more pace for Chelsea to really break down this Juve defence?
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:13 , Mike Jones42 mins: Still nothing to separate the two teams. Maybe the second half will be more thrilling?
There’s still a few minutes left for one of the teams to go ahead...
... save! Sanchez leaps to his left and palms away a shot from the edge of the box. Juventus almost take the lead!
Great stop from the Chelsea goalkeeper.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:10 , Mike Jones39 mins: Chelsea win a free kick inside Juve’s half that Caicedo takes.
He passes it square and Juve push out quickly forcing Chelsea to retreat.
I’ve never seen to benefit to taking a short free kick like that. It rarely results in an opportunity to score.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:08 , Mike Jones36 mins: Boga lofts a cross into the box from the left side and draws out Sanchez who flaps at the ball and misses it.
Cambiaso can’t quite control the ball and flicks it inside. Twice Juve think of shooting but are closed down by Chelsea defenders before Nicoll-Jazuli clears the danger.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:03 , Mike Jones33 mins: Quenda has been good on his Chelsea debut, as has Welbeck who is forming a decent partnership with former Brighton teammate Joao Pedro.
Welbeck wins a free kick in the middle of the pitch having dropped back to get on the ball.
Chelsea take it quickly and slowly work their way forward once more.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
13:01 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour played and I’m finding it difficult to remember if there’s been a shot.
Xabi Alonso is on his feet and is marshalling his troops around. I wonder how much the manager will learn from these types of games?
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:57 , Mike Jones27 mins: Juventus are persisting with the long ball strategy as Chelsea are plying with anhig defensive line.
It doesn’t come off this time as Robert Sanchez jogs to the edge of his own box to scoop up the loose ball.
It is very much a pre-season game. Slow tempo, easing into the match.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:56 , Mike Jones24 mins: The scourge of hydration breaks continues.
Both teams take a break for some water despite playing in a closed roof, air-conditioned stadium.
Fifa and the World Cup have a lot to answer for.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:51 , Mike Jones21 mins: Juve switch the play out to Cambiaso who drills a pass into the six yard box.
Miretti is the one to get a touch as he tries to bring the ball under control.
Instead he glances it towards the far bottom corner and Sanchez leaps to the right to make sure it bobbles wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:48 , Mike Jones18 mins: Palestra brings down an aerial ball and fizzes it inside to Caicedo.
He flicks it on to Nicoll-Jazuli who looks to fire a sharp pass into the feet of Welbeck.
The accuracy isn’t quite there and the ball flies through the box and out for a goal kick.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:46 , Mike Jones15 mins: Nicoll-Jazuli has started well for Chelsea. He’s one of the most promising youngsters coming through the academy and will want to impress Xabi Alonso today.
Chelsea are gaining confidence. They’re pressing Juve and making it tough of the Serie A side to get up the pitch.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:43 , Mike Jones12 mins: Chance!
Quenda and Palestra combine on Chelsea’s right wing. Palestra darts into the box as Quenda takes the ball.
He rolls it onto his left foot and swings in a cross.
Welbeck leaps and gets a head to the ball but he can’t find the target!
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:40 , Mike Jones9 mins: It’s been a gentle opening nine minutes to this match which will go to penalties if it ends in a draw after 90 minutes.
Chelsea haven’t found their rhythm yet.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:37 , Mike Jones6 mins: Joao Pedro is playing just off Danny Welbeck in a No 10 role.
Fofana is in control as Chelsea push forward but an attempt to feed Welbeck sees him give up possession.
Juve sweep quickly up the pitch and Locatelli lets fly from the edge of the box only to fire the effort wide.
Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:33 , Mike Jones3 mins: There’s been a few physical tackles already despite this match being a friendly.
Another long ball from Juve comes over the head of Wesley Fofana but the defender has kept a high line and his opponent is flagged offside as he attempts to nip in behind the Chelsea defence.
Kick off! Chelsea 0-0 Juventus
12:31 , Mike JonesJuventus get the ball rolling in Hong Kong.
Chelsea are in there Blue kit today and will be hoping to get back to winning ways.
Juve work the ball along the back line before drilling a long ball up the pitch which is won by Palestra.
Chelsea v Juventus
12:24 , Mike JonesThe players have gone through their warm ups and are all ready to head out onto the pitch for this clash in Hong Kong.
Chelsea lost their last game, against Spurs, so can Xabi Alonso’s men get themselves back on track this afternoon?
We’re about to find out, kick off is up next...
A final word from Alonso
12:18 , Mike Jones“We are in the middle of pre-season; it’s three weeks since we started and there are three weeks to go more or less.
“We analyse every game for what we did right and how we can improve.
“After the Spurs game, we have analysed it, and we face a great team [Juventus] with experienced players and a great coach.
“So, it’s going to be a very interesting and good test.”
Alonso has confidence Chelsea 'will be ready'
12:12 , Mike JonesThe new Chelsea boss spoke about his squad not being where they would like to be during this pre-season so far but Xabi Alonso is confident they ‘will be ready’ for the start of the new season.
He said: “I have confidence, motivation and a good feeling with the team, with the players, about what we want to achieve, so that when we start in the Premier League, we feel we are ready.
“For sure, with the players we have now and the others who will join [training at Cobham] – who I’d love to have more time with but it is what it is – the feeling is that we will start in a good way.”
'We want to be competitive'
12:06 , Mike JonesXabi Alonso has been speaking about his aims for Chelsea this season and the hope is that he can make the group competitive.
“We want to have a good season,” Alonso told the media in Hong Kong.
“Let’s see where we are in May, but for sure we want to have the feeling we are competitive and that we deserve to fight for important things during the season.
“Time will tell, but that’s our goal.”
Juventus team to face Chelsea
12:04 , Mike JonesJuventus XI: Di Gregorio, Kalulu, Gatti, Kelly, Celik, Locatelli, Douglas Luiz, Boga, Miretti, Cambiaso, Milik
Subs: Perin, Pinsoglio, Nava, Bremer, Koopmeiners, Yildiz, Zhegrova, Rugani, Melo, David, Cabal, Owusu, Gil Puche, Obiyanweduo, Lica, Durmisi
The real reason Chelsea signed Jordan Henderson
12:00 , Mike JonesThe England international is a surprise signing for Chelsea but, as Jack Rathborn explains, Xabi Alonso could lean on the 36-year-old to help establish his ideas at an unstable club.
The real reason Chelsea signed Jordan Henderson
'He has the mentality of giving everything'
11:54 , Mike JonesA final word from Cahill on what Jordan Henderson brings to Chelsea.
“Hendo is ultra professional – he does everything at 110 per cent and expects everyone around him to do the same. I was always impressed when I was around him in England squads,” Cahill explained.
“He is very vocal in the dressing room and once he’s on the training pitch, he has that mentality of giving everything in every session and making sure others are giving that too. There’s nothing wrong with that, it’s exactly what you should be doing.
“He is someone who drives standards every day. If the standards dip a little in training, he will jump on that and push it back up again. That is so important to have, no matter if it’s Hendo, Danny or the other lads in the squad, it’s massive having that mentality in the squad.”
Welbeck will lead by example
11:48 , Mike JonesWith news of Welbeck’s inclusion in Chelsea’s squad today we have more from Cahill now.
“Danny is quite calm, laid back, but is very professional and leads by example,” Cahill said.
“He is getting longevity out of his career and that is not by accident, it’s because of the way he has looked after himself over the years.
“He’s adapted his game as well, in terms of the runs he makes and picking his movements, which comes with experience and from learning from different scenarios.
“In terms of his personality, he is quite calm and laid back, and would lead by example.”
Alonso makes changes
11:42 , Mike JonesUnderstandably, as this is pre-season, Xabi Alonso has made a bunch of changes to the Chelsea starting XI that lost to Spurs last time out.
The main headlines are that Robert Sanchez starts in goal, Cole Palmer misses out entirely, Mykhailo Mudryk is on the bench and Danny Welbeck is handed his first start for the club since joining from Brighton.
Chelsea team to face Juventus
11:38 , Mike JonesChelsea XI: Sanchez; Palestra, Fofana, Tosin, Hato; Caicedo, Nicoll-Jazuli; Quenda, Joao Pedro, Gittens; Welbeck
Chelsea in Hong Kong. 🔵🇭🇰 pic.twitter.com/jwQsZxg2q4
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 5, 2026
Today's venue
11:34 , Mike JonesAs we wait for the team news to drop, here’s a look at the stadium for today’s game:
Kai Tak Stadium. 📍🇭🇰 pic.twitter.com/34f7Xatp0J
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 5, 2026
Gary Cahill on Welbeck and Henderson signings
11:24 , Mike JonesChelsea have punted for experience in the transfer window with the signings of Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson.
Former Blues defender Gary Cahill had his say on both players: “They are top lads and ultra professional.
“They get the best out of themselves which is why they are still going strong at the age they are.
“I think they will bring their quality and experience. That experience will show through on the pitch, in certain moments in games, or at the training ground and in training sessions. They’ve been there and done it at the top level for years.”
A Chelsea legend
11:18 , Mike JonesMoises Caicedo has an aim to become a ‘Chelsea legend’.
He’s signed a contract extension with the club and explained the reasons behind his decision.
“I wanted to keep playing for the club,” he said, “The club wanted to renew the contract and I said yes because I want to become a legend here.
“That is why I renewed my contract and for all of us, it’s important.”
Moises Caicedo thanks fans in Hong Kong
11:12 , Mike JonesMoises Caicedo has been speaking about the Hong Kong leg of Chelsea’s Australia and Asia tour and he praised the fans for coming out to support the team.
“The people here have been great,” the midfielder said. “We feel like we are at home.
“Everyone here has been very kind. It’s my first time here in Hong Kong and I feel it’s like a home to me already. So for that, I want to say thank you to the fans.
“The way they support us with the time difference is incredible, it is not easy for them to watch in the Premier League.
“So we really appreciate them, because we feel and realise that the supporters here give everything for us.”
Chelsea's statement on Mudryk ban being overturned
11:06 , Mike JonesChelsea released a statement on Mudryk’s ban being lifted and they are ‘pleased’ that the matter has been concluded.
“From the outset, this has been an extremely difficult period for Misha, both professionally and personally, and we are pleased that the matter has now reached a conclusion which allows him to return to football with immediate effect,” Chelsea said in a statement.
“We have always supported Misha throughout this process while fully respecting the integrity of the anti-doping system and the legal process.
“We welcome the acknowledgement that advances in the applicable scientific reporting standards for more reliable testing mean that, had Misha's sample been analysed under today's technical requirements, it would not have been reported as a positive test and no anti-doping rule violation would have resulted.”
Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk cleared for immediate return to football after resolving doping ban
11:00 , Mike JonesChelsea FC winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been cleared to make an immediate return to action after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) partially upheld an appeal against his four-year ban for doping.
Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk cleared for immediate return to football after doping ban
Juventus early team news
10:54 , Mike JonesJuventus are operating with a full-strength squad and could field new signings Kerim Alajbegovic and Randal Kolo Muani.
Chelsea's early team news
10:48 , Mike JonesMykhailo Mudryk is back after a successful partial appeal against his doping suspension and will join the squad in Hong Kong, although there are doubts over his fitness.
Chelsea are without multiple players as they continue their recovery post-World Cup, most notably Reece James, Enzo Fernandez and new signing Valentin Barco, but Pedro Neto is back and Mike Penders could take the injured Robert Sanchez’s place between the sticks.
New signings Danny Welbeck and Geovany Quenda have also travelled to Hong Kong.
How can I watch it?
10:42 , Mike JonesViewers can watch the game on CFC+, Chelsea’s in-house service, with subscriptions available at £14.99 per year.
When is Chelsea v Juventus?
10:36 , Mike JonesChelsea play Juventus at Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Stadium on Wednesday 5 August, with kick-off at 12:30pm BST.
Chelsea v Juventus
10:30 , Mike JonesChelsea continue their pre-season preparations under new boss Xabi Alonso as they face Juventus in a friendly in Hong Kong.
The Blues have played two games on this tour with mixed results: a 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, featuring a Joao Pedro hat-trick, was followed by a last-gasp 2-1 defeat to 10-man Tottenham as Richarlison scored late in extra time.
Juventus have yet to concede in their own round of summer friendlies, having drawn 0-0 with Basel before beating Standard Liege and OGC Nice in their last encounter.
Chelsea’s squad is slowly taking shape as key players return from post-World Cup breaks, giving Alonso time to tinker with formations and his preferred XI ahead of the season starting in three weeks’ time.
Good morning!
09:21 , Mike JonesWelcome to The Independent’s coverage of Chelsea’s latest pre-season fixture as they take on Juventus in Hong Kong.
Xabi Alonso is still figuring out his best XI ahead of the new season but will no doubt want to win against the European heavyweights this afternoon.
We’ll have all the updates, team news and more so stick with us as we build up to kick off at 12.30pm.
