Bayer Leverkusen beaten by Chelsea

Bayer Leverkusen lost 2-0 against Chelsea in a pre-season friendly on Friday in London.

Erik ten Hag set up his side in what could well be a similar starting XI to the side that will play in Leverkusen's Bundesliga opener in a couple of weeks. Jarell Quansah, Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapié started in a back three with Patrik Schick leading the line. Ibrahim Maza once again received good minutes as both Christian Kofane and Victor Boniface made appearances from the bench.

The game, however, was a tough one for Die Werkself as Chelsea imposed themselves from the off, with Leverkusen's only real moment of excitement coming as Alejandro Grimaldo had a free-kick well-saved. Either side of that effort, Chelsea scored through Estêvão, and then João Pedro in the last minute.

Match recap

2 - 0

(1 - 0)

Chelsea

FINAL

Leverkusen

Friendly
Pre-season Pre-season Stamford Bridge

Full-time: Chelsea 2-0 Leverkusen

In truth, Chelsea were in control from start to finish, with the only notable moment for the visitors being when Grimaldo had a dipping free-kick well-saved. Up the other end, Chelsea were rampant as debutant Estêvão grabbed his first goal for the club before Pedro doubled the lead at the death.

© Eddie Keogh

Leverkusen's team and subs

The visitors started in their preferred 3-4-3 formation with what could quite conceivably be the starting XI for the opening weekend. Quansah, Tapsoba and Hincapié started in front of Flekken and behind a midfield duo of Andrich and García, with Schick leading the line. Maza once again played a large portion of the game as both Kofane and Boniface made appearances from the bench. ten Hag also took the opportunity to play a couple of the club's academy players, too, as Hawighorst and Culbreath received valuable minutes.

Hrádecký leaves for Monaco

The big news ahead of today's game is that Leverkusen's title-winning captain has moved to AS Monaco.

© DFL/GettyImages / DFL/GettyImages

1:02

Watch: Highlights of Leverkusen Brazil tour

Leverkusen began preparations for 2025/26 with a tour of Brazil. Take a look at some of the best moments here.

Wirtz nominated

Florian Wirtz, who departed Bayer Leverkusen for English Premier League side Liverpool this summer, has been nominated for this year's Ballon d'Or award after hitting double figures for goals and assists in the Bundesliga last term. The Germany international is one of six Bundesliga alumni to be shortlisted, including Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland.

© DFL/Getty Images/Neil Baynes

Legendary names

There are some huge players in that post from Leverkusen, with Michael Ballack, Kai Havertz, André Schürrle and Callum Hudson-Odoi all playing for both of these teams.

4:39

Watch: Leverkusen 3-0 Pisa

Three first-half goals helped Erik ten Hag's side claim their third straight pre-season victory against the newly promoted Serie A outfit.

0:35

Watch: Patrik Schick extends Leverkusen contract

The Czechia forward expressed his delight at extending his deal with the Werkself upon the announcement.

Familiar face

Former Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens is one of several players to join Chelsea this summer. The Englishman left BVB off the back of his best season to date, having scored eight goals and assisted three more in the league as Borussia finished fourth in the table. The 20-year-old could be in line for his Blues debut at Stamford Bridge.

© IMAGO/Conor Molloy/News Images

4:33

Watch: The making of Patrik Schick

Schick ended last term as the club's top scorer in the Bundesliga (21 goals) and the division's outright leading marksman from open play (20 goals). Described by Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes as "one of Europe's most clinical strikers", the frontman has come a long way since making his Sparta Prague debut in 2014.

Schick to start?

Star striker Patrik Schick extended his Leverkusen contract until 2030 earlier this week. The Czechia forward, 29, was on target in the 2-0 win over Bochum last month but started Tuesday's 3-0 victory over Pisa on the bench. After committing his long-term future to the club, Schick could return to the starting XI at Stamford Bridge.

© IMAGO/Maik Hölter/TEAM2sportphoto

Leverkusen hitting form

Bayer suffered a stuttering start to their summer preparations, losing 5-1 to Flamengo's U-20 side during their pre-season tour of Brazil. The 2023/24 Bundesliga champions appear to be hitting their stride under new coach Erik ten Hag, however, after victories over VfL Bochum, Fortuna Sittard and Pisa in their last three outings.

© IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Freisen

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