Mykhailo Mudryk returns in Chelsea defeat as Milan pay tribute to Baresi
Chelsea suffered a 1-0 friendly defeat to Juventus in Hong Kong, a match notable for the return of winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who came on as a substitute for the first time in nearly two years after serving a doping suspension. Manager Xabi Alonso described the moment as "emotional" for the club, with Mudryk's introduction met with applause from teammates and cheers from fans, marking a significant step in his comeback from an adverse finding for the banned substance meldonium.
Mudryk, 25, had not played competitively since November 2024 but was cleared to return after resolving his case with the Football Association; he had a lively cameo but could not prevent Juventus winning through a stunning strike from Edon Zhegrova in front of 43,575 spectators. Elsewhere, Milan and Inter drew 1-1 in Perth in their first match since the death of club great Franco Baresi, with both sides observing a minute's silence before Christopher Nkunku's late penalty cancelled out Federico Dimarco's opener.
- Mudryk returns for Chelsea after doping ban, but they lose to Juventus 1-0
- Edon Zhegrova's second-half strike settles Hong Kong friendly
- Milan and Inter draw 1-1 in Perth, honouring late captain Franco Baresi