WOW: Chelsea got off to a lightning-fast start in their pre-season showdown with AC Milan

Chelsea wasted no time stamping their authority in their pre-season clash against AC Milan, producing a blistering opening that left the Italian giants shell-shocked. Within just eight minutes, the Blues had already found the back of the net twice, setting the tone for what turned out to be a dominant first-half display.

From the very first whistle, manager Enzo Maresca’s men pressed with relentless intensity, suffocating Milan’s attempts to build from the back. Their high-energy approach was matched with razor-sharp passing, quick transitions, and decisive movement in the final third. Milan simply couldn’t keep up with the tempo, and Chelsea punished them mercilessly.

The star of the early exchanges was once again João Pedro, who continued his remarkable pre-season form by adding yet another goal to his tally. The Brazilian forward, who has been making headlines for his lethal finishing, slotted home with the confidence of a striker who knows exactly where the goal is. This latest strike takes his tally to five goals in just five matches — an extraordinary return for a player still bedding into the team.

Pedro’s understanding with the rest of the Chelsea attack is growing by the game. His link-up play with the midfield, combined with his ability to make perfectly timed runs, has given Maresca a potent attacking weapon heading into the new campaign. Whether it’s receiving the ball to feet or making darting runs behind defenders, Pedro has looked unstoppable.

But Chelsea’s fast start was not just about individual brilliance. The collective work rate of the entire team was impressive. The midfield, anchored by a combination of steel and creativity, dictated the pace, while the defence played high up the pitch, compressing the space and forcing Milan into costly errors. The pressing traps Chelsea set were a nightmare for Milan’s defenders, who often found themselves dispossessed in dangerous areas.

Maresca will be particularly pleased with how clinical his side looked in front of goal. While pre-season games are often about experimenting with tactics and giving minutes to the squad, Chelsea’s ruthlessness in the opening stages sent a message to their rivals: they are not just preparing for the new season — they are preparing to dominate it.

The second goal, coming so soon after the first, was a perfect example of Chelsea’s attacking philosophy under Maresca. A swift passing move from deep, involving five players, sliced through Milan’s midfield and defence in seconds. The ball eventually fell to an onrushing attacker, who made no mistake with a composed finish past the goalkeeper.

Milan, to their credit, tried to respond by slowing the game down and retaining possession, but Chelsea’s pressing never relented. Every time the Italians thought they had a foothold, the Blues swarmed in numbers to win back the ball. The combination of intensity, confidence, and precision was something Maresca will surely look to replicate when the competitive fixtures begin.

As the half progressed, Chelsea could have added even more goals, with Pedro, Cole Palmer, and another forward going close. The chances created were a testament to how well-drilled the attacking patterns have become in a short space of time. For a team still technically in pre-season mode, the level of sharpness was remarkable.

This match may have been just another friendly on paper, but the significance of Chelsea’s performance should not be underestimated. Beating a team of Milan’s calibre, and doing so with such authority in the opening minutes, will only boost confidence within the camp. Fans watching from around the world will have been delighted, not just by the goals, but by the brand of football being played.

Looking ahead, if Chelsea can carry this level of energy and execution into the Premier League, they will be a serious force to reckon with. Pedro’s form is currently the headline story, but the real triumph lies in how the entire squad is buying into Maresca’s philosophy. For now, the Blues can take pride in a pre-season performance that was as thrilling as it was effective — and a warning shot to every opponent in the season ahead.