Delap scores first goals since January in Chelsea draw

Liam Delap, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich in 2025, netted his first goals for the club since January during a pre-season draw against Johor Darul Ta'zim. In an unusual move, manager Xabi Alonso fielded a completely different lineup compared to the team that had defeated AC Milan 3-0 in Jakarta on Saturday. Despite scoring just two goals in 41 appearances last season, Delap matched that tally against the Malaysian side, with both goals coming from the penalty spot.

The first of these goals came after Arif Aiman put Johor in front early on, but Chelsea equalized through Robert Sanchez just three minutes later. However, the lead was short-lived as Oscar Arribas' deflected free-kick equalized for Johor in the 65th minute. Johor briefly claimed victory when Bergson put them ahead in the 84th minute, but Chelsea equalized once more with an own goal from Antonio Glauder, who headed in a cross from Mikhailo Mudryk in the 89th minute.

The match was set to be decided by a penalty shootout, but the teams did not return to Stadium Sultan Ibrahim Larkin to take part. Chelsea will head back to London before facing Real Sociedad in their final pre-season fixture at Stamford Bridge on August 15.