Johor Darul Ta'zim 3-3 Chelsea: Six-Goal Friendly Thriller as Blues Held by Malaysian Champions (Full Match Highlights)

Chelsea's pre-season tour of Asia hit an unexpected bump on August 9, 2026, as they were held to a thrilling 3-3 draw by Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. The Blues took the lead on three separate occasions but simply could not shake off a determined JDT side that refused to lie down. The home crowd was in full voice from the first whistle, creating an electric atmosphere that clearly inspired their players. Chelsea's youthful lineup showed flashes of brilliance going forward but looked vulnerable every time Johor broke on the counter. The Athletic noted that defensive organization was a major concern for the Blues, with gaps appearing repeatedly between the centre-backs. A game changer moment came when JDT equalized for the third time, sending the stadium into absolute delirium. How many Premier League sides would have expected to score three times in Malaysia and still not win? The six-goal spectacle will live long in the memory of the local fans. For Chelsea, it was a stark reminder that there is plenty of work to be done before the competitive season begins, particularly in shoring up a leaky backline.