Chelsea held to 3-3 draw by Johor Darul Ta’zim in pre-season friendly

Chelsea was held to a 3-3 draw by Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in a pre-season friendly played at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

Johor Darul Ta’zim drew first blood in the 14th minute when Arif Aiman finished from close range after a swift attacking move. Chelsea managed to level the score five minutes before halftime when Liam Delap successfully converted a penalty he had won.

Chelsea took the lead in the 62nd minute with another penalty, this time converted by Delap after Jamie Gittens was fouled in the box. However, Johor responded quickly, equalizing three minutes later when Oscar Arribas’ free-kick deflected off Delap and deceived goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.

The Malaysian champions then surged ahead in the 86th minute through a precise 20-yard strike from Brazilian forward Bergson. Chelsea, however, salvaged a draw just three minutes later when Mykhailo Mudryk’s cross inadvertently went into the net off Johor defender Cristian Glauder.

The match was intense, with seven yellow cards issued. A planned penalty shootout after the game was canceled for reasons not immediately disclosed. Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso fielded a completely different starting lineup from the previous day’s match against AC Milan. Chelsea is set to return to England for their final pre-season fixture against Real Sociedad.