Chelsea fell to a second consecutive defeat under Xabi Alonso as Juventus secured a 1-0 victory at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong. Edon Zhegrova's superb curling effort in the 68th minute proved decisive, with the Blues unable to respond after their 2-1 loss to Tottenham in Sydney.
Defensive displays mixed
Robert Sanchez made a good save to deny Jeremie Boga but was also guilty of flapping at a cross that nearly gifted Juventus a goal. Marco Palestra delivered another promising performance, linking well with Geovany Quenda and causing problems with his pace, though he was nearly caught out when losing possession near the halfway line.
Wesley Fofana had little to do defensively but struggled with passing out from the back. Tosin Adarabioyo, stepping in for Levi Colwill, was less shaky than in previous games but still did not instil confidence. Jorrel Hato made an excellent block after Sanchez's save from Boga but still looks unsure at left-back.
Midfield and attack
Moises Caicedo, captaining the side on his first pre-season appearance, delivered a typically combative display, snapping into tackles and holding the ball well. Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, at 16, looked confident in possession and played a lovely disguised pass to free Palestra down the right.
Geovany Quenda was Chelsea's brightest spark in the first half, heavily involved in everything they did going forward while also fulfilling defensive duties. Joao Pedro had a quiet game, forced to drop deep with his final pass lacking. Jamie Gittens struggled as most of Chelsea's best work came down the right. Danny Welbeck had some bright moments but was overall quiet on debut.
Substitutes and late changes
Mike Penders had no chance with the winning goal and will likely compete with Sanchez for the No1 spot. Mamadou Sarr was solid enough as Juventus sat back. Estevao tried to make things happen but could not raise the tempo. Nicolas Jackson was bright in spells before being replaced at half-time to allow Mudryk's return.
Aaron Anselmino had little to do as Chelsea searched for an equaliser. Liam Delap ran the channels diligently but lacked quality. Romeo Lavia did not look sharp, while Dastan Satpayev could not get into the game. Dario Essugo took the armband after Caicedo departed, highlighting the lack of experience on the pitch.
Josh Acheampong's future will be in focus as Alonso seemingly still does not trust him. Olutayo Subuloye has had a productive pre-season and hopes to carry momentum into the Under-21s. Mykhailo Mudryk returned after 20 months out, having resolved his anti-doping proceedings with the FA, and was given a warm welcome but was bright without creating much.
