Chelsea Fight Back to Draw 3-3 With JDT in Thrilling Johor Friendly

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) delivered a memorable performance against English Premier League giants Chelsea as the two sides played out an entertaining 3-3 draw in a pre-season friendly at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Sunday night.

The highly anticipated fixture brought together Malaysia’s dominant domestic champions and one of England’s most successful clubs, providing JDT with a rare opportunity to test themselves against elite European opposition.

Chelsea arrived in Johor as the reigning FIFA Club World Cup champions and were completing the Asian leg of their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign under manager Xabi Alonso.

The Blues fielded a heavily rotated side following their previous pre-season fixture, giving several younger and fringe players opportunities to impress.

JDT, however, showed little sign of being intimidated by their high-profile opponents.

The Southern Tigers took the lead through Malaysian star Arif Aiman Hanapi after Marcos Guilherme created the opportunity, giving the home supporters an early reason to celebrate.

Chelsea responded as the contest developed, with striker Liam Delap emerging as one of the visitors’ most influential performers.

Delap converted a penalty to bring Chelsea level before later scoring another spot kick after Jamie Gittens was fouled, temporarily putting the Premier League side ahead.

JDT refused to surrender and quickly found their way back into the match.

Óscar Arribas restored parity with a free kick that reached the net via a deflection, ensuring the Malaysian champions remained firmly in contention.

The match became increasingly intense as both teams competed aggressively for control.

JDT continued to threaten Chelsea on the counterattack despite the visitors enjoying significant periods of possession, while the physical nature of the contest resulted in several bookings.

The home side then regained the advantage when substitute Bergson found the net, putting JDT 3-2 ahead and raising the prospect of a famous victory over the London club.

Chelsea continued pushing forward in search of an equaliser as the match entered its closing stages.

Their pressure eventually paid off when JDT defender Antonio Glauder inadvertently turned the ball into his own net late in the match, bringing the score to 3-3.

The late equaliser denied JDT victory but did little to diminish an impressive performance from the Malaysian champions against one of European football’s biggest clubs.

For Chelsea, the match provided another opportunity for Alonso to assess his squad before the beginning of the new Premier League season.

The Blues’ defensive vulnerabilities and discipline were among the areas likely to attract attention after JDT repeatedly caused problems with their direct attacking transitions.

Delap’s two goals, meanwhile, provided a positive individual performance for Chelsea as competition for attacking positions continues ahead of the new campaign.

The striker remained composed from the penalty spot on both occasions and was one of the visitors’ standout performers in Johor.

The fixture was also significant for Malaysian football.

JDT have dominated the domestic game over the past decade, winning a record 12 consecutive Malaysia Super League titles before this international friendly was arranged.

Facing Chelsea at their home stadium offered the Southern Tigers an opportunity to demonstrate their progress against opposition from one of the world’s strongest football leagues.

The match also marked Chelsea’s return to Malaysia for the first time since 2013.

Originally scheduled for August 11, the friendly was brought forward to August 9 by mutual agreement between the two clubs, while the 8pm kick-off and Sultan Ibrahim Stadium venue remained unchanged.

Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 34,000 spectators, provided the stage for one of the most high-profile international club friendlies hosted in Malaysia in recent years.

For JDT, holding Chelsea to a six-goal draw represents another notable moment in the club’s development and international profile.

The Southern Tigers demonstrated that they could compete with elite European opposition for significant periods, particularly through their counterattacking threat and determination to respond whenever Chelsea gained momentum.

Chelsea, meanwhile, leave Malaysia with further information for Alonso and his coaching staff as preparations intensify for the 2026/27 Premier League season.

Despite twice fighting back and ultimately avoiding defeat, the 3-3 result showed that the Blues still have areas to refine before competitive football begins.

For Malaysian supporters, however, the night belonged equally to JDT, who produced three goals and pushed one of world football’s most recognisable clubs until the final stages of a memorable encounter in Johor.