English football giants Chelsea cruised to a 4-1 victory over a Malaysian selection as part of their pre-season Asia tour on Sunday. Bertrand Traore opened the floodgates in the fifth minute, tapping home a low cross from Kevin De Bruyne after a deft dummy from Romelu Lukaku. The Blues doubled their advantage just before the half hour mark, as De Bruyne -- returning from a loan spell at Werder Bremen -- smashed home an unstoppable half volley after taking Lukaku’s flicked header in his stride. An awkward landing followed the scorching shot however, and the promising Belgian was stretchered off moments later clutching his knee. But team manager Jose Mourinho dismissed concerns of a serious injury after the game. Lukaku put the tie to bed in first-half injury time with a near post finish to make it 3-0. The second half was pretty much a procession as Chelsea were barely threatened by a Malaysian side who lacked the spark to trouble the Blues’ defence.
Friday, March 21, 2025
