Chelsea beats Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in preseason

Chelsea open preseason with a 2-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen, showing depth and pace across a mixed lineup.

Chelsea Beats Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in Preseason

Chelsea sent out a mixed line up of first team players, reserves and new arrivals after a short training camp since returning from the Club World Cup victory. Enzo Maresca used Estêvão, Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo alongside younger players to start the match. The opening goal came when Estêvão showed sharp instincts to pounce on a rebound and put Chelsea ahead within 20 minutes. Chelsea kept the control with fast pressing and fluid play, while Bayer Leverkusen offered little threat in the first period as Filip Jörgensen needed just one save before the break with Chelsea up 1-0.

Maresca then rang the changes to share minutes and maintain pace, and some fluidity faded. Jamie Gittens stood out with creative runs on the left as Estêvão moved into a central role. Just before the final whistle João Pedro finished well to make 2-0 and seal the result. Nkunku and Jackson were not in the squad. The team now prepares for a friendly against AC Milan on Sunday.

The result offers a glimpse of Chelsea depth and tactical ideas under Maresca. A mix of attackers and midfielders allowed pressing high and quick rotations, with Estêvão and Palmer shaping play through the middle and Caicedo plus Santos providing engine and balance. The early goals suggest a plan to start fast and use rotation to maintain tempo across the hour mark. The performance also highlights a willingness to blend academy prospects with experienced players as a way to build trust in a wider squad.

But preseason results can be misleading. The real test comes when the schedule tightens and players must sustain form for 90 minutes or more. The appearance of Jamie Gittens and other youngsters points to a longer term strategy that blends youth with senior players, a move that could pay dividends if given time and careful coaching.

Highlights

The season begins soon and this win adds momentum to Chelsea's plans.