{
  "id": 178445,
  "title": "Alonso hails 'emotional' Mudryk return in 1-0 loss to Juventus",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/05/alonso-hails-emotional-mudryk-return-in-1-0-loss-to-juventus",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-05T14:49:27.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mudryk-back-chelsea-friendly-defeat-133353328.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso expressed his delight over the emotional return of Mykhailo Mudryk, who made his first appearance since a doping ban was lifted. Mudryk came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute during Chelsea's 1-0 friendly defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong. The Ukrainian winger was greeted with applause from his teammates and cheers from the crowd at Kai Tak Stadium. Despite his brief appearance, Mudryk failed to prevent Juventus from taking the victory, thanks to a goal from Kosovo international Edon Zhegrova in the second half. Alonso praised Mudryk's happiness and the significance of his return, stating that it was a great feeling for him after a lengthy absence. Neither team managed to secure a breakthrough in the first half, with Danny Welbeck having a goal-bound header in the 11th minute. Midfielder Jeremie Boga came closest to breaking the deadlock for Juventus, but Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez made a crucial save. In the second half, Chelsea's Moises Caicedo's pass found Marco Palestra, but his shot was tame and could not find the back of the net. Alonso noted that the game lacked control and stability due to the numerous substitutions. Chelsea opted not to include Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill in the matchday squad, with Alonso explaining that Palmer has been experiencing discomfort following a knock he received during Saturday's match against Tottenham. However, Alonso assured that Palmer should be fit for the next friendly. The Spanish coach added that the injured groin that sidelined Palmer for much of last season is not a recurrence of the injury. Chelsea are set to play AC Milan in Jakarta on Saturday, followed by games against Johor Darul Ta'zim and Real Sociedad, before facing Fulham in their opening Premier League match on August 24.",
  "summary": "Manager Xabi Alonso hailed Mykhailo Mudryk's \"emotional\" return from a doping ban as the winger played for Chelsea for the first time in nearly two years in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong on Wednesday.Mudryk had not played since November 2024 because of a doping ban, but won permission to resume his football career on Friday after winning an appeal.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}