Liam Delap brought Chelsea level against Johor Darul Ta’zim with an emphatic penalty in the Blues’ final pre-season friendly in Malaysia.
Chelsea had fallen behind when Arif Aiman finished a Johor counter-attack, but the Liam Delap penalty restored parity before half-time.
The striker won the spot-kick himself before stepping up and powering his effort beyond the Johor goalkeeper.
Delap had already threatened during the opening stages, racing through on goal before seeing a low effort saved.
Liam Delap penalty gets Chelsea back into game
Xabi Alonso gave Delap another opportunity to lead the Chelsea attack at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, with Nicolas Jackson also included in an experimental forward line.
ReadChelsea confirmed before kick-off that Alonso had changed his entire starting XI following Saturday’s 3-0 victory over AC Milan.
Johor punished Chelsea after 15 minutes when Arif Aiman converted at the back post following a quick break.
Chelsea needed a response and Delap provided it.
The 23-year-old used his strength to earn the penalty before taking responsibility himself, striking the ball firmly into the net to make it 1-1.
The live match coverage had already highlighted Delap as one of Chelsea’s main threats during the opening exchanges.
Watch Delap’s equaliser below.
