Chelsea opened their summer schedule with a 2-0 victory against Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge, marking a positive first outing for Enzo Maresca’s side ahead of the new campaign.
The hosts struck early through 18-year-old winger Estevao, who reacted sharply to convert after Cole Palmer’s inventive chip came back off the crossbar.
Leverkusen struggled to create clear chances in the first half, with Alex Grimaldo’s free-kicks providing their main threat.
Both managers made extensive changes at the break, disrupting the flow of the contest, though Patrik Schick went close for the visitors before Chelsea regained control.
The win was secured late on when Gensis Antwi’s cut-back found Joao Pedro, who drove a precise shot into the bottom corner.
It was the first of just two pre-season fixtures for Chelsea, who now turn their attention to Sunday’s meeting with AC Milan, while Leverkusen will look to build sharpness from a game that tested their defensive shape.
