Delap scores twice from the spot as Chelsea draw with Johor Darul Ta’zim in pre-season finale

Liam Delap marked his return to form with a brace as Chelsea drew with Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim in a chaotic conclusion to their pre-season Asian tour, according to BBC Sport.

Xabi Alonso named an entirely new starting eleven — rotating completely from the side that beat AC Milan 3-0 in Jakarta the previous day — giving fringe players vital minutes ahead of the new season.

Delap, 23, who joined Chelsea from Ipswich in 2025, had scored just two goals in 41 appearances across all competitions last season. He matched that tally in a single outing, converting two penalties to put the Blues ahead after Arif Aiman’s early opener for the hosts.

The lead proved fragile. Oscar Arribas levelled with a deflected free-kick in the 65th minute, before Bergson appeared to seal victory for Johor with a close-range finish four minutes from time. Chelsea refused to capitulate — Antonio Glauder headed a Mykhailo Mudryk cross into his own net in the 89th minute to salvage a draw.

The match was expected to be decided by a penalty shootout, but players never re-emerged from the tunnel at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim Larkin, leaving the contest officially drawn.

Chelsea return to London ahead of their final pre-season fixture against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, August 15.