Hong Kong: Mykhailo Mudryk returns for Chelsea in Juventus defeat
Mykhailo Mudryk made his return to the pitch 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 almost two years, following his clearance to play after resolving a doping ban.
Mudryk entered the game as a substitute for Nicolas Jackson in the 82nd minute, receiving applause from his teammates and a warm reception from Chelsea fans among the 43,575 attendees at Kai Tak Sports Park. The Ukraine international had been provisionally suspended since November 2024 after an adverse finding for meldonium.
Despite a lively performance on the left side of the field, 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.
Mudryk’s Return and Match Details
Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso expressed his satisfaction with Mudryk’s return, describing it as an “emotional” moment 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 competitive action.
The first half of the friendly saw both sides struggle to create significant scoring opportunities, with experimental line-ups in play. Danny Welbeck, making his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt, had a chance 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. Kenan Yildiz provided the assist, squaring the ball for Zhegrova, who curled a shot into the top corner from outside the box. Despite numerous substitutions from both teams, Chelsea could not find an equaliser.
Alonso reflected on the match, stating that Chelsea started well, controlling the game and creating chances in the first 30 to 35 minutes. He acknowledged that the second half became less controlled due to the many substitutions. Alonso emphasised that the match was part of a process, providing minutes for the players, despite the loss.
Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti commented on his team’s performance, highlighting their unity throughout the match. He noted that the team stayed together when under pressure and during counter-attacks, creating several chances. Spalletti praised Chelsea as a top-class side capable of building from the back and driving the game’s tempo, making it important for Juventus not to back down.
Milan Pays Tribute to Franco Baresi
In other friendly action, Milan played out a draw with Inter in a preseason derby held in Perth. The match was significant as it was Milan’s first since the passing of Franco Baresi, who captained the club during a successful period in the 1980s and 1990s. A minute’s silence was observed before the game, with players from both teams linking arms in tribute.
The derby, played in front of 52,310 fans in Australia, saw Inter take the lead in the 52nd minute through Federico Dimarco’s close-range strike. However, Milan secured a draw when Christopher Nkunku converted a penalty in the 83rd minute. Nkunku was brought down by Carlos Augusto, leading to the spot-kick that levelled the score.
Looking ahead, Chelsea is scheduled to play Milan in Jakarta on Saturday. Following that, Chelsea will conclude their preseason fixtures with matches against Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim and Spain’s Real Sociedad.
Source: theguardian.com
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
