Chelsea thrash AC Milan 3-0 as Joao Pedro stars in Jakarta

Chelsea delivered their most impressive performance of pre-season by beating AC Milan 3-0 in Jakarta, with Joao Pedro scoring twice and Moises Caicedo adding another as Xabi Alonso’s side bounced back from consecutive defeats.

The victory ended Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham and 1-0 defeat by Juventus, giving Alonso a much-needed positive result as preparations for the new campaign enter their final stages.

Joao Pedro strikes twice for Chelsea

Chelsea created several openings during an encouraging first half, with Cole Palmer and Danny Welbeck both involved in their attacking moves.

However, it was Joao Pedro who finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. Caicedo’s corner found the Brazilian at the near post, where he produced a clever header that flew into the top corner.

AC Milan made changes at the interval in an attempt to change the game, bringing on Goncalo Ramos, Alexis Saelemaekers, Christopher Nkunku and Yunus Musah.

The changes did little to disrupt Chelsea, who doubled their lead just 40 seconds after the restart.

Pedro Neto raced down the right before delivering a dangerous cross into the box. Milan defender Koni De Winter failed to track Joao Pedro, allowing the forward to arrive and finish from close range.

Caicedo completes dominant victory

Chelsea quickly put the result beyond doubt five minutes later.

Lavia played a short corner towards Caicedo, who controlled the ball before unleashing a powerful 20-yard volley into the bottom corner.

The goal capped an excellent performance from the Ecuadorian, who combined his defensive work with an increased threat in attack.

Chelsea continued to create opportunities in search of a fourth goal. Geovany Quenda struck the post with a powerful effort, while Nicolas Jackson also hit the woodwork after replacing Welbeck.

Palestra had another chance late on but fired wide from close range.

There was one concern for Alonso when Wesley Fofana received treatment late in the game before being replaced by Mamadou Sarr in stoppage time.

Chelsea will now head into their final pre-season fixture with high confidence after a performance that offered encouraging signs of Alonso’s tactical ideas taking shape.