Chelsea’s pre-season tour of Australia and Asia concluded in dramatic fashion on August 9, 2026, as they shared the spoils in a six-goal thriller against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. The final score finished 3-3 in a lively, at times ill-tempered friendly that featured two Liam Delap penalties, late drama, and an own goal that denied the hosts a famous victory.
The match marked the Blues’ last game of their Far East schedule before returning to London for a final warm-up against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, ahead of the Premier League opener against Fulham on August 24.
Early Shock and Delap’s Response
Johor Darul Ta’zim, managed by Spaniard Xisco Muñoz, started brightly and took a surprise lead in the 14th minute. Arif Aiman finished from close range after good work from Marcus Guilherme, capitalising on some hesitant Chelsea defending.
Chelsea, fielding a makeshift side that included young centre-back Tayo Adaramola (in place of the withdrawn Mamadou Sarr) alongside Tosin Adarabioyo, responded with energy. Nicolas Jackson and Estêvão created early threats, while Liam Delap looked sharp leading the line.
Just before half-time, Delap won and converted a penalty after being fouled by Kevin Medina. He smashed the spot-kick into the corner to make it 1-1. Moments later, a superb through ball from Jackson put Delap through one-on-one, but the striker scuffed his effort and the chance was lost.
Second-Half Swings
After the break Chelsea went ahead for the first time. Jamie Gittens was brought down in the box, and Delap stepped up again, this time going low to the same side to make it 2-1 in the 62nd minute. The English forward’s brace marked his first goals for the club since January and provided a bright note on an otherwise chaotic evening.
Johor equalised almost immediately. Óscar Arribas curled a free-kick that took a wicked deflection and left goalkeeper Gaga Slonina with no chance. The score was 2-2 with 25 minutes remaining.
The Malaysian champions then thought they had secured a famous win when substitute Bergson finished coolly in the 86th minute to put JDT 3-2 ahead. The home crowd erupted, sensing an upset against the FIFA Club World Cup holders.
Late Drama
Chelsea refused to fold. In the 89th minute, Mykhailo Mudryk (introduced late for Gittens) delivered a dangerous cross into the box. Reggie Watson attacked the ball, and the resulting deflection off Cristian Glauder found the net for an own goal that levelled the scores at 3-3.
There was still time for further chances, including a late save from Slonina, but the game ended all square. A planned penalty shootout was reportedly abandoned amid rising tensions and a string of yellow cards.
Key Talking Points
- Liam Delap was Chelsea’s standout performer, winning and converting both penalties with composure.
- Defensive vulnerability remained an issue, particularly in the first half and during transitions.
- Positive contributions came from Jackson’s link-up play, Estêvão’s threat, and the late impact of Mudryk.
- Johor Darul Ta’zim impressed with their organisation, intensity, and ability to trouble a Premier League side, underlining their progress under Muñoz.
Chelsea head coach and the coaching staff will take plenty of lessons from a mixed pre-season. While attacking moments showed promise, the defensive lapses and physical battles highlighted areas still needing refinement before the competitive season begins.
For Johor Darul Ta’zim, holding Chelsea to a draw represented a proud performance and a strong statement of ambition. The Southern Tigers matched their illustrious opponents for long periods and came within minutes of a memorable scalp.
Chelsea’s focus now shifts back to London and the final preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
