Hong Kong: Mykhailo Mudryk returns for Chelsea in Juventus defeat
Mykhailo Mudryk made his return to action for Chelsea in a 1-0 friendly defeat against Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The match marked his first appearance for the club in nearly two years, following a provisional suspension related to a doping ban. Mudryk, a Ukraine international, had not played a competitive match since November 2024.
The 25-year-old winger entered the game as a substitute for Nicolas Jackson in the 82nd minute, receiving applause from his teammates and a warm reception from the Chelsea fans among the 43,575 attendees at Kai Tak Sports Park. His return came after resolving a case with the Football Association concerning an “adverse finding” for the banned substance meldonium.
Despite a lively cameo on the left side of the pitch, Mudryk was unable to prevent Juventus from securing the win. The decisive goal came from Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova, who scored with a second-half strike.
Match Details and Manager Reactions
Xabi Alonso, Chelsea‘s manager, expressed his satisfaction with Mudryk‘s return, describing it as “emotional” for everyone involved with the club. Alonso noted that Mudryk was “thrilled” to be back on the pitch after such a long period away from the game.
The first half of the friendly saw both teams struggle to create significant scoring opportunities, with two experimental lineups taking the field. Danny Welbeck, making his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt, had a chance to score but failed to direct a flicked header on target. Early in the second half, a long ball from Moisés Caicedo set up new signing Marco Palestra, whose shot was saved by Mattia Perin.
Juventus broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when Kenan Yildiz set up Zhegrova, who curled a strike into the top corner from outside the box. Despite numerous substitutions from both sides, Chelsea could not find an equaliser.
Alonso commented on the match, stating, “I think we started pretty well. The first 30, 35 minutes, we have played with good control, we have created a few chances.” He added that the second half, with its many changes, led to a less controlled and stable game. “Unluckily we didn’t get to win, but for sure it’s the process, it’s minutes for everyone,” Alonso concluded.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti also shared his thoughts on the match, which was the fourth friendly of their 2026/27 pre-season. Spalletti noted, “These are tests that reflect the progress we’re making.” He praised his team’s unity and ability to stay together, whether under pressure or launching counter-attacks. He observed that Chelsea is a “top-class side” capable of building from the back, finishing, and driving the game’s tempo.
Other Pre-season Action and Tributes
In other pre-season news, Christopher Nkunku converted a late penalty to secure a draw for Milan against Inter in a derby held in Perth on Wednesday. The match, which ended in a draw, was played in front of 52,310 fans in Australia.
Before the game, a minute’s silence was observed, and players from both teams linked arms to pay tribute to Franco Baresi. This marked Milan‘s first match since the passing of Baresi, who captained the club during a successful period in the 1980s and 1990s.
Inter, the Serie A champions, initially took the lead with a goal from Federico Dimarco in the 52nd minute. However, Nkunku was brought down by Carlos Augusto in the 83rd minute and subsequently converted the penalty to level the score.
Chelsea‘s next fixture will be against Milan in Jakarta on Saturday, followed by pre-season games against Malaysia‘s Johor Darul Ta’zim and Spain‘s Real Sociedad.
Source: theguardian.com