Chelsea vs Juventus LIVE: Edon Zhegrova strike gives Serie A side victory in pre-season friendly

The Blues were beaten 1-0 by Juve in Hong Kong as Xabi Alonso continues to get to grips with his emerging squad

Chelsea lost 1-0 to Juventus in their most recent pre-season fixture despite some bright performances from their summer signings.

Xabi Alonso decided to start Danny Welbeck at the top of the pitch as well as Geovany Quenda on the right with both players showing signs of creativity during a rather dull first half which finished goalless. Quenda formed a strong partnership with right-back Marco Palestra which could be a useful tool for Alonso to exploit once the season begins.

Unfortunately, this pre-season clash in Hong Kong had all the markings of a friendly with a slow tempo and a lack of rhythm from both teams. Neither managed to challenge the goalkeepers regularly enough to be threatening.

The winning goal was a stunner though as Edon Zhegrova received the ball on the edge of the box and whipped a first-time effort into the far top corner. The strike was enough to win the game and leave Alonso with more questions to answer next time out.

Relive the action from Chelsea v Juventus with our live blog below:

Chelsea's remaining three pre-season games before they launch their Premier League campaign on 24 August:

90+4 mins: Another pre-season defeat for Chelsea as Edon Zhegrova’s stunner was the difference between the teams.

90 mins: There’s no way through for Chelsea as Juventus look to defend this lead.

Only four minutes of added tim remain.

85 mins: Into the last five minutes of this game and, though Chelsea are pushing for it, they chaven;t been able to create many clear cut chances.

81 mins: Xabi Alonso has brought on Mykhailo Mudryk.

Mudryk has been banned from football since 2024 but his ban was recently overturned by CAS and he is allowed to play again.

He receives a warm round of applause for his introduction.

76 mins: Chelsea haven’t been able to counteract the opening goal from Juventus.

The Italian side now seem in control and they look as though their lead will be enough to win this game.

70 mins: A hydration break follows immediately after the goal.

Ther’es 20 minutes to play.

Juventus have been growing in confidence as work the ball inside from the right.

Yildiz holds up the ball and slips it to Edon Zhegrova who takes a touch and curls the shot past Penders and into the back of the net!

63 mins: Palestra gets inot space on the right wing (he’s been Chelsea’ sbest player today) and wins them a corner.

Estevao comes across to take it and swings the set piece into the middle of the box.

Fofana wants a handball but the referee isn’t interested.

60 mins: An hour played.

Chelsea build up slowly from their free kick and work the ball out to the rigth to Palestra.

He tries to feed Estevao but doesn;t get the pass quite right.