Liam Delap scored twice from the penalty spot as Chelsea claimed a 3-3 draw against Johor Darul Ta’zim in a very competitive friendly pre-season encounter.
Mudryk came in and made an assist which led to an own-goal in the encounter. The match was intense with the referee giving out eight yellow cards.
The game was the second under 24 hours for the Chelsea team who played against AC Milan yesterday around same kick-off time in another location.
Xabi Alonso had to rotate the team to ensure he fields out another squad to play against a very strong Johor Darul Ta’zim side who came prepared.
The friendly match quickly turned competitive between both teams as they were tackles flying in from all positions while the encounter carried on.
Johor Tigers took the lead in the 14th minute after a wonderful counter attack which saw Aiman finishing off neatly to make things 0-1.
It was a hard one for the Blues as they kept on struggle to do much against a side that was well organized and ready to defend their advantage.
The game carried on until Liam Delap was brought down inside the penalty box. Delap stepped up and converted from the penalty in the 42nd minute to make it 1-1.
There was nothing that was left to play as both teams finished the first half with a well deserved 1-1 scoreline which they were pleased to see.
Xabi Alonso made some little tactical change which saw first half substitute Reggie Watson pushing up to playing midfield, while Dario Essugo played defense.
The game carried on with one hour played and the scoreline was still 1-1 between both teams. As things progressed, Chelsea won another penalty in the encounter.
Liam Delap stepped up and converted again from the penalty spot which made the scoreline 2-1 in the 62nd minute as they pushed on forward.
Johor Tigers responded immediately with a well taken free kick from Arribas which hit the back of Delap before going in. The scoreline was 2-2 in the 65th minute with more left to be played.
When it was looking like no goal will be scored again in the match, Bergson danced through and pulled off a wicked strike which made the scoreline 2-3 in the 86th minute.
The home side were already in celebration with the goal which was assumed would be the last one of the game as they approached the final minutes of play.
Chelsea pulled off a fightback with Mudryk well placed cross which was headed in by Cristian as an own-goal in the 89th minute to make sure it was leveled 3-3.
The additional time carried on with some close opportunities and rough play before the referee ended the encounter with both teams settling for a 3-3 draw after 90 minutes.
It was a massive result for Johor Darul Ta’zim based on their level of football compared to Chelsea who are the current World Champions and a well established European elite team.
Xabi Alonso won’t have much to worry about as he knew it wasn’t going to be an easy one after just playing a game yesterday before this match which they came out with a draw.
With this game completed, it is expected for the Premier League side to welcome their remaining players before their game against Real Sociedad, which will be their last preseason match.
