Chelsea 4-1 AC Milan: Highlights, man of the match, stats as Joao Pedro stars in impressive Blues victory

Chelsea rounded off their preparations for the 2025-26 Premier League campaign with a 4-1 victory over Italian giants AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

A nightmare opening 18 minutes for Milan's Andrei Coubis saw the defender score an own goal before being sent off following a Joao Pedro header, with Chelsea entering the half-time break two goals and a man to the good.

The Blues scored a third in the 67th minute from the penalty spot, with Liam Delap on the scoresheet, before Milan had one back three minutes later, when Youssouf Fofana fired into the back of the net from close range.

Delap then scored a fourth for Chelsea in the final exchanges courtesy of another smart finish, making it a very successful afternoon for Enzo Maresca's side.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Whisper it quietly, but Chelsea could be Premier League title contenders in 2025-26.

The Blues showed their class and quality at the 2025 Club World Cup, and they have made some excellent signings this summer, namely Pedro, who has been outstanding since his arrival from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Liverpool will have something to say about it, as will Arsenal and Manchester City, but Chelsea have the look of a team that could be genuine contenders for the Premier League title in the coming season.

The red card, of course, helped Chelsea, but they were already 2-0 ahead by the time that the Italian team were reduced to 10 men, and it could have been more than four in the second period.

Chelsea beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the first pre-season friendly on August 8 and have followed that up with another strong win, and they will now be looking to start their Premier League season with a victory against Crystal Palace on August 17.

CHELSEA VS. AC MILAN HIGHLIGHTS

Andrei Coubis own goal vs. AC Milan (5th min, Chelsea 1-0 AC Milan)

⚡ James whips the ball inside the box and Coubiș is unlucky to deflect it into his own net. 1️⃣-0️⃣ for Chelsea!

GLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb pic.twitter.com/g8LKB6t2hm
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) August 10, 2025

Chelsea make the breakthrough in the fifth minute of the match, as Coubis deflects a dangerous Reece James cross into the back of his own net from close range.

Joao Pedro goal vs. AC Milan (8th min, Chelsea 2-0 AC Milan)

? João Pedro's run leaves everyone frozen in time, as the doubles the lead for the Blues!

GLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb pic.twitter.com/nW7l85SJez
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) August 10, 2025

Chelsea double their advantage in the eighth minute, and it is Pedro with the goal, as the summer arrival heads a cross from Pedro Neto into the back of the net from close range.

Andrei Coubis (AC Milan) red card vs. Chelsea (18th min)

Milan's afternoon goes from bad to worse, as they receive a red card in the 18th minute.

Coubis, who has already scored an own goal, is given his marching orders for pulling Pedro to the ground when the forward was seemingly about to burst into the Milan penalty box.

Liam Delap goal vs. AC Milan (67th min, Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan)

? DELAP FROM THE SPOT, 3️⃣-0️⃣ FOR CHELSEA ?

GLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb pic.twitter.com/91Vz42OKo8
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) August 10, 2025

Chelsea make it 3-0 in the 67th minute of the match, and it is another of their new signings on the scoresheet, with Delap firing his penalty into the bottom corner of the net.

Youssouf Fofana goal vs. Chelsea (70th min, Chelsea 3-1 AC Milan)

? 10-men Milan get a goal back at the Bridge. Fofana at the end of a nice attacking play.

GLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb pic.twitter.com/BlaxaW1tul
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) August 10, 2025

Milan have one back at Stamford Bridge, with Fofana firing one into the bottom corner after being released into the Chelsea penalty box by Alexis Saelemaekers.

Liam Delap goal vs. AC Milan (90th min, Chelsea 4-1 AC Milan)

? Andrey Santos with the vision to set up Delap for his brace ?

GLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb pic.twitter.com/Q9YjcIAgK0
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) August 10, 2025

Chelsea make it 4-1 in the final stages of the match, and it is a second for Delap, with the striker firing into the back of the net following smart work from Andrey Santos.

MAN OF THE MATCH - JOAO PEDRO

Milan just could not with Pedro in the first half of the match, with the Brazilian scoring an excellent header before using his pace and power to bring about a red card for Milan defender Coubis.

Pedro was substituted on the hour, and Milan will have been pleased to see the back of the 23-year-old, who has the look of a player capable of being a real star for the Club World Cup winners.

CHELSEA VS. AC MILAN MATCH STATS

Possession: Chelsea 53%-47% AC Milan

Shots: Chelsea 19-11 AC Milan

Shots on target: Chelsea 8-5 AC Milan

Corners: Chelsea 6-3 AC Milan

Fouls: Chelsea 15-8 AC Milan

WHAT NEXT?

Chelsea's preparations for the 2025-26 campaign are now complete, and the Blues will open their new Premier League season with a home fixture against Crystal Palace on August 17.

Milan, meanwhile, will take on Bari in the first round of the Coppa Italia on August 17, before beginning their 2025-26 Serie A campaign with a clash against Cremonese on August 23.