Chelsea were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday as their pre-season preparations continued with an entertaining encounter at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
The Blues twice came from behind and appeared to have secured a late victory before Johor struck again, only for Chelsea to respond in the closing minutes and rescue a draw.
Delap Leads Chelsea’s Fightback
Johor made the brighter start and took advantage of an early opening in the 14th minute.
Arif Aiman was in the right place at the right time, finishing from close range after the hosts launched a quick attacking move.
Chelsea eventually found their way back into the contest shortly before the interval.
Liam Delap won a penalty and took responsibility from the spot, calmly sending the ball into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.
The England forward was at the centre of Chelsea’s comeback again after the break.
When Jamie Gittens was brought down inside the penalty area, Delap stepped up once more and converted in the 62nd minute to put the visitors ahead.
Johor Refuse To Back Down
Chelsea’s lead lasted only three minutes. Oscar Arribas delivered a free-kick that took an unfortunate deflection off Delap, changing the ball’s direction and leaving goalkeeper Gaga Slonina unable to react in time.
With the score level at 2-2, the game became increasingly open and physical, with both sides continuing to push for a winner.
Johor eventually looked to have taken control again in the 86th minute.
Brazilian forward Bergson produced a composed finish from around 20 yards, finding the corner of the net to put the Malaysian champions 3-2 ahead.
Mudryk Provides Late Rescue
Chelsea refused to leave Malaysia with a defeat and produced another late response.
Three minutes after Bergson’s strike, Mykhailo Mudryk sent a cross into the area which struck Johor defender Cristian Glauder before deflecting into the goal.
The own goal brought Chelsea level at 3-3 and ensured the Blues avoided a pre-season defeat.
The match was far from a quiet friendly, with seven yellow cards handed out as the intensity increased throughout the contest.
Chelsea Make Major Changes To Line-Up
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso made wholesale changes to his team after the Blues had faced AC Milan just 24 hours earlier.
The Spaniard selected an entirely different starting XI for the meeting with Johor, while Mamadou Sarr was also replaced before kick-off.
A penalty shootout had reportedly been planned to follow the match, but that was ultimately cancelled.
No immediate explanation was given for the decision.
Final Pre-Season Test Awaits
Chelsea will now head back to England as they move towards the final stage of their pre-season preparations.
The London club’s final friendly will come against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, August 15, giving Alonso one last opportunity to assess his squad before competitive football begins.
The dramatic draw in Malaysia leaves Chelsea with plenty to work on, but the late fightback will at least give the team confidence after an exhausting run of pre-season fixtures.
