Live Updates: Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen Without Jackson and Newcastle vs Espanyol Friendlies
Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen: Pre-Season Friendly Highlights
By Harry Bamforth, Kieran Gill, and Craig Hope | Updated: 18:42 BST, 8 August 2025
Chelsea players prepare for their clash against Bayer Leverkusen.
Chelsea continued their pre-season preparations with a high-profile friendly against Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, but striker Nicolas Jackson was a notable absentee from the squad. Meanwhile, Newcastle United faced La Liga’s Espanyol in a simultaneous fixture, with both English clubs aiming to finalize their lineups ahead of the new Premier League season.
Key Absence: Nicolas Jackson
Jackson, who scored 15 goals last season, was left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad amid speculation about his fitness. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed pre-match that the Senegalese forward was “managing a minor knock” but emphasized the decision was precautionary. Youngster Deivid Washington started in his place, partnering Christopher Nkunku in attack.
Jackson observed the match from the sidelines.
First-Half Drama
Chelsea dominated early possession, with Cole Palmer testing Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky in the 8th minute. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Moises Caicedo intercepted a pass and set up Nkunku, who calmly slotted home.
Leverkusen responded swiftly, with Florian Wirtz curling a stunning 25-yard strike past Djordje Petrovic in the 34th minute. The half ended 1-1, with both sides showcasing sharp attacking play.
Second-Half Changes
Maresca made five substitutions at halftime, including introducing Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell. The changes injected pace, and Sterling nearly scored in the 52nd minute, hitting the crossbar from close range.
Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface capitalized on a defensive error in the 68th minute, drilling a low shot to give the German side a 2-1 lead. Chelsea pushed for an equalizer, but Hradecky made crucial saves to deny Carney Chukwuemeka and Mykhailo Mudryk.
Newcastle vs Espanyol: Brief Update
In a parallel friendly, Newcastle drew 2-2 with Espanyol. Alexander Isak scored twice for the Magpies, while Martin Braithwaite and Joselu netted for the Spanish side. Manager Eddie Howe praised his team’s resilience after trailing twice.
Isak shone for Newcastle with a brace.
Final Thoughts
While Chelsea’s defense showed vulnerabilities, the midfield partnership of Caicedo and Romeo Lavia offered promise. Maresca stressed post-match that “pre-season is about building rhythm,” with focus now shifting to their Premier League opener.
Stay tuned to Mail Sport for more pre-season updates and transfer news.
Respects exchanged after a competitive friendly.
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