Chelsea concluded their short but impressive pre-season schedule on a high note, securing a dominant 4-1 victory over a ten-man AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday in their final friendly.
The game was effectively over as a contest within the first 20 minutes due to a nightmare spell for Milan’s young defender, Andrei Coubiș. He first turned the ball into his own net from a Reece James set-piece in the fifth minute.
Just two minutes later, João Pedro doubled Chelsea’s lead with a well-placed glanced header, continuing his excellent form in a blue shirt. Then, in the 19th minute, Coubiș’s disastrous afternoon was complete when he was shown a controversial red card for a foul on Pedro, reducing the visitors to ten men for the remainder of the match.
The difficult circumstances completely spoiled the unofficial AC Milan debut of legendary midfielder Luka Modrić. The Croatian icon was introduced as a halftime substitute, but by then his side were already 2-0 down and a man short, giving him little chance to influence the game.
Chelsea sealed their victory in the second half, with substitute striker Liam Delap scoring a brace. His first goal came from the penalty spot after another eye-catching cameo from Brazilian teenage winger Estêvão, who won the spot-kick.
Although Youssouf Fofana pulled a consolation goal back for Milan—a goal that may have highlighted Enzo Maresca’s need for a new centre-back following Levi Colwill’s injury—Delap added his second in the 90th minute to cap off the victory.
It was another solid and confident performance from the world champions, who now head into their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace full of momentum.