Chelsea began the Xabi Alonso era with an entertaining 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers in a high-scoring pre-season friendly at the Accor Stadium.
The Blues recovered from falling behind on three occasions before substitute Joao Pedro inspired a dramatic comeback with a second-half hat-trick.
Joao Pedro steals the show
Chelsea made the perfect start when Dastan Satpaev latched onto Ryan Kavuma-McQueen’s through pass and fired into the roof of the net.
The Australian side responded quickly as Anthony Pantazopoulos headed home from close range before Aydan Hammond gave the hosts a surprise lead with a fine finish past Teddy Sharman-Lowe.
Dario Essugo restored parity just before half-time after converting Reggie Walsh’s pass.
Western Sydney again moved ahead after the break, but Jamie Gittens, who came in as substitute continued his impressive pre-season form by making it 3-3 with his third goal in as many matches.
Chelsea found themselves chasing the game once more after another defensive lapse allowed the Wanderers to score, but Joao Pedro equalised before taking control of the contest.
Chelsea recover after defensive lapses
The Brazilian forward came off the bench to transform the game, scoring three goals in nine minutes to complete a hat-trick and seal Chelsea’s victory.
His clinical finishing proved decisive as Alonso’s side overcame defensive errors to maintain a winning start to their pre-season preparations.
The match also offered encouraging signs for several young Chelsea players, including Satpaev, Essugo and Gittens, who all got on the scoresheet.
While Chelsea’s attack impressed, Alonso will likely be concerned by the four goals conceded ahead of the new campaign.
Chelsea next face Tottenham on Saturday in the Sydney Cup.
