Chelsea were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in their latest pre-season friendly at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Sunday.
The entertaining encounter gave new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso another opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, although the defensive issues on display will give the coaching staff plenty to consider before competitive football begins.
Johor started the game brightly and took the lead in the 14th minute through Arif Aiman, who finished from close range after the hosts launched a quick attacking move.
Chelsea responded before the interval, with Liam Delap converting from the penalty spot to bring the Premier League side level. The striker remained one of Chelsea’s most influential players throughout the contest and later added another goal from the spot.
After the break, Chelsea moved in front when Delap converted his second penalty, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage and putting them in a position to take control of the match.
Johor, however, refused to allow Chelsea to settle. The Malaysian champions responded with a determined spell of attacking football and eventually restored parity through Óscar Arribas.
The hosts then regained the lead when substitute Bergson found the net, turning the match into an increasingly unpredictable contest.
Chelsea eventually found a way back into the game, with an own goal bringing the score level at 3-3. Neither side could find a decisive winner before the final whistle, leaving the two teams to settle for an entertaining draw.
The result provided another useful test for Alonso as he continues to shape his Chelsea squad. Pre-season results are not normally the primary objective, but the matches provide valuable opportunities for players to build fitness, understand tactical instructions and compete for places.
For Delap, the match was particularly encouraging. His two goals demonstrated his ability to make an impact in front of goal, while his involvement in Chelsea’s attacking play will be a positive sign for the coaching staff.
The draw also highlighted areas Chelsea will need to improve. Conceding three goals against Johor will raise questions about defensive organisation, although the nature of pre-season means managers often use these matches to experiment with formations, combinations and personnel.
Chelsea had travelled to Asia as part of their preparations for the new season, giving Alonso the chance to work with his players in competitive match conditions before returning to Europe.
The fixture against Johor was played at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, home of the Malaysian champions. Johor have established themselves as one of the dominant forces in Malaysian football and provided Chelsea with a lively test.
For the Blues, the match followed their impressive 3-0 victory over AC Milan, a result that had generated optimism around Alonso’s preparations. The 3-3 draw against Johor offered a different kind of challenge and showed that there are still aspects of the squad’s game that require attention.
Chelsea’s pre-season campaign has featured a mixture of results, giving Alonso plenty of information to work with before the competitive season begins.
The Spanish coach will now be focused on using the remaining preparation period to improve his team’s defensive structure, attacking efficiency and overall consistency.
The 3-3 scoreline may not have been the result Chelsea wanted, but it provided another valuable 90 minutes for a squad undergoing tactical adjustments under a new manager.
With the new campaign approaching, every pre-season fixture gives Alonso an opportunity to identify his strongest combinations and determine which players can be trusted when the pressure of competitive football returns.
For Johor, holding a Premier League club to a draw will be a memorable result and another indication of the growing profile of Malaysian football.
For Chelsea, the match was another reminder that pre-season football can produce unexpected challenges. The Blues showed attacking quality but also conceded too many goals, leaving Alonso with positives and concerns to take from the encounter.
With preparations continuing, Chelsea will now turn their attention to the final stages of pre-season as they look to enter the new campaign in the strongest possible condition.
