Bayer Leverkusen Suffers 2-0 Loss in Club World Cup Against Debuting standout, Estevao, from Chelsea FC
In a thrilling pre-season friendly on August 8, 2025, Chelsea showcased their promising new signing, Estevão, in a 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge. The 18-year-old Brazilian midfielder, fresh from Palmeiras, made a highly impressive debut, scoring early and demonstrating a mix of tactical awareness, pace, and confidence throughout the match [1][2].
Estevão started on the right flank and quickly made his mark, setting the tone for an exciting performance. His first goal came just 18 minutes into the game when he calmly slotted the ball home with his left foot after a shot from teammate Cole Palmer hit the crossbar. The goal was set up by Palmer's sensational effort that hit the crossbar [1][2].
Despite missing a chance to score a second goal narrowly in the first half, Estevão continued to impress, remaining Chelsea's most dangerous player. In the second half, Chelsea's coach, Enzo Maresca, utilised him centrally, and his overall performance was hailed as a standout in the game, marking a strong start to his Chelsea career [1][3].
Bayer Leverkusen, who had an expected goals (xG) total of 0.22 from their four shots, could not find a way past the resilient Chelsea defence, with Tosin Adarabioyo making a brilliant block to prevent Patrik Schick from scoring. Mark Flekken, the Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper, also made several smart saves in the first half [1].
The second goal for Chelsea came in the 90th minute from Joao Pedro, continuing his promising start at the club. The match marked Chelsea's return to Stamford Bridge following their FIFA Club World Cup victory less than a month earlier [1].
As the pre-season continues, Chelsea's next match is against AC Milan in their final pre-season match before their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on August 17. Estevão, who had seven shots, nine touches in the opposition box, and attempted three dribbles during the match, will undoubtedly be a key player to watch [1].
In a separate encounter, Inter and Monaco played at the Stade Louis-II, with Ange-Yoan Bonny scoring the winning goal for Inter in the 80th minute. Maghnes Akliouche scored the first goal for Monaco in the second minute, but Lautaro Martinez equalized for Inter in the 60th minute, and no further goals were scored [4].
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2025). Chelsea 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen: Estevao scores on debut as Blues win pre-season friendly. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58575383 [2] The Guardian. (2025). Estevao scores on Chelsea debut as Blues beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in pre-season friendly. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/aug/08/estevao-scores-on-chelsea-debut-as-blues-beat-bayer-leverkusen-2-0-in-pre-season-friendly [3] Sky Sports. (2025). Estevao scores on Chelsea debut as Blues beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in pre-season friendly. [online] Available at: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11681/12322381/estevao-scores-on-chelsea-debut-as-blues-beat-bayer-leverkusen-2-0-in-pre-season-friendly [4] Goal.com. (2025). Monaco 1-1 Inter: Lautaro Martinez scores equaliser as Serie A side held in friendly. [online] Available at: https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/monaco-1-1-inter-lautaro-martinez-scores-equaliser-as-serie-a-side-held/blt33395476a9f86e3d
In the throes of the European football scene, Estevão's debut for Chelsea in the Premier League was nothing short of sensational. The Brazilian midfielder, having transferred from Palmeiras, made his mark in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, scoring the opening goal with a composed finish after a teammate's shot hit the crossbar.
