Chelsea completed the first segment of their pre-season preparations with a clash against BNI Indonesia All-Stars in Jakarta on Thursday.
The Blues took the lead courtesy of a penalty from Eden Hazard after 22 minutes, before goals from Ramires, Demba Ba and John Terry left the Premier League side 4-0 ahead at the interval.
Bertrand Traore made it five in the early stages of the half, before Romelu Lukaku and Ramires extended the lead to 7-0 after 57 minutes.
Lukaku had his second moments later, but the home side did get among the goals after 69 minutes with an own goal from Tomas Kalas.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Chelsea complete the final segment of their pre-season tour this afternoon (or evening local time) as the Blues face BNI Indonesia All-Stars in Jakarta. On paper, it looks to be a straightforward tie for the Premier League outfit, but that is rarely the case in pre-season. The match is purely about fitness, but the club will be keen to put on a strong display.
It has been a summer of change at Chelsea with Rafa Benitez’s departure opening the door for Jose Mourinho to make a sensational return to the club. The Portuguese has already done some transfer business this summer, but he has made no secret of the fact that he wants to acquire the services of Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.
As mentioned, Chelsea have already completed two matches on their pre-season tour. The first, which pitted the Blues against the Singha All Star XI outfit, was won courtesy of a penalty from Romelu Lukaku. A Malaysian XI waited in their second match on tour, but it was another victory for the English outfit, this time with a 4-1 scoreline.
It is hard not to be impressed by this wonderful stadium in Jakarta. Unsurprisingly, the Gelora Bung Karno stadium is a sell-out with 70,000 due to be in attendance. As mentioned, this is the first time that Chelsea have played a match in Indonesia, which is surprising when taking into account the vast fan-base in the country.
There is no question that the home side will be more accustomed to the heat and humidity inside the stadium, but the fact that this match is taking place in the evening will certainly help Chelsea as the match wares on. It is an old cliché, but fitness is the most important thing. Sure it is good to win, but getting ready for the new season is the main goal.
Looking ahead for a moment. Following this match, Chelsea head to the United States where they will play in a competition that includes Inter Milan, AC Milan and Valencia. They will face Inter on August 1, AC Milan or Valencia on August 4, before travelling to Miami for their third game. The tour will end with a clash against Roma on August 10.
Right, let’s take a closer look at Chelsea’s opponents. The Indonesian outfit will be coached by Jacksen Tiago, who previously represented Indonesian outfit Petrokimia Putra as a player in 1994. He retired from football in 2001 at the age of 33, enjoying success as a manager in the domestic division before taking charge of the national team earlier this year.
Despite the country’s undoubted passion for football, the national team have not enjoyed much recent success. In fact, the national team have competed in just one World Cup. That came in 1938 where they entered as the Dutch East Indies. They have also failed to make it past the opening round of the AFC Asian Cup on any occasion.
One player who will be looking to make an impression for the home side is Andik Vermansyah. The 21-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best talents in South-East Asia, has been compared to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. Standing at just 1.63 metres tall, he will not physically harm Chelsea, but his low centre of gravity could cause problems in these conditions. Just a reminder that the team news is expected in the next 10 minutes or so.
There is one overseas-based player in the home side’s squad this evening – Syamsir Alam. The 21-year-old, who is currently on trial with MLS outfit DC United, has previously played for Argentine side Penarol. The youngster is expected to play a key role for his country in the upcoming South-East Asian Games.
Another player who comes with a good pedigree is Netherlands-born Raphael Maitimo. The Dutchman, who represented his country at youth level alongside the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, began his career in the lower leagues in his home nation. He became an Indonesian citizen last year, however, after joining Bali Devata in 2011.
TEAMS:
INDONESIA: Meiga; Roby, Igbonefo, Hamzah, Maitimo; Andik, Bustomi, Pellu, Greg; Alam, Sinaga
CHELSEA: Blackman; Wallace, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Chalobah, Ramires, Van Ginkel, Moses, Ba, Hazard
So there we have it. John Terry skippers the Chelsea team this evening, with Gary Cahill lining up alongside the former England defender in defence. Ashley Cole also starts at left-back, while there are places for Victor Moses, Demba Ba and Eden Hazard in attack. We are still awaiting confirmation of the home side this afternoon.
It seems like just yesterday that the Premier League season ended, but we are less than a month from all the drama restarting. Taking a look at Chelsea’s first month or so, they open their league campaign against Hull City on August 18, before travelling to Manchester United on August 26 in what should be a pulsating evening.
European football is on the agenda for Chelsea in their final match of the month as they face Champions League winners Bayern Munich in the Super Cup. The Blues were involved in the Super Cup last season as winners of the Champions League, but they were comfortably beaten by a Radamel Falcao-inspired Atletico Madrid.
It doesn’t get much easier in September for the Europa League winners with a match against Everton after the international break followed by a London derby against Fulham at Stamford Bridge. They end the month with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur, who themselves will be keen on a return to the Champions League come the end of the season.
Right, we are just about 10 minutes from kickoff inside this wonderful stadium. We are still awaiting confirmed team news for the home side, who appear to be keeping their starting side very much a secret. Let's hope for a competitive match in Indonesia. It is hard to put into words just how noisy this stadium is. The fans are certainly ready for the action.
This match could also provide another chance for Bertrand Traore to impress the Chelsea management if the youngster enters the field. The attacker is currently on non-contract terms, but is opening to secure a deal this summer. His performances on tour have been impressive there is no question about that. The atmosphere continues to build inside the stadium with little over five minutes until kickoff.
It is around 25 degrees inside the stadium, which will certainly suit the home side, but Chelsea will be getting used to these warm conditions. Right, just about time for my pre-match prediction. I am certain that the home side will provide a competitive match, but it is difficult to look past Chelsea this afternoon. I am expecting a comfortable victory for the Premier League outfit.
Both sets of players are just about to join us on the pitch. If you thought that it was loud before, well this is another level. It is understood that tickets could have been sold another three times over, which is not a surprise. Following the pre-match handshakes and exchanging of flags, we will be ready to get the action underway.
Right, the team news for the home side has been confirmed and it can indeed be found below. We are a couple of minutes behind schedule here, but the home side are ready to get the action underway. Just a reminder that Chelsea will fly back to London following this match before travelling to the United States for another pre-season tour.
It must be said that the pitch is in good condition this evening, which will please Chelsea. The same cannot be said for the clash between Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur in Asia on Wednesday. Not too much to report in the opening couple of minutes, but Chelsea have taken control of the possession with Ramires and Van Ginkel.
It appears that there has been a late change to Chelsea side with Ryan Bertrand coming into the team for Ashley Cole. It has been suggested that the England defender felt a slight injury in the warm-up and has therefore not been risked. Bright start from Wallace who attempts to find Ba in the box, but the Brazilian's cross is collected by Mega.
It's bright work from Maitimo as the defender darts past Ramires before sliding a low pass towards Alam, but Terry is across to clear at the vital moment. Wallace is down the right again moments later, but Ramires can only fire his cross into the arms of Mega. Still no real opportunities for either side inside the opening six minutes of action.
Indonesia will certainly be pleased with the way that they have started this evening with Alam and Sinaga both causing problems in the final third. The latter collects a pass from Pellu before sliding a ball towards Alam, but Blackman is out to claim. Van Ginkel has possession down the other end moments later, but his pass is too long for Ba, who had made a smart run behind Roby.
First serious attempt at goal comes to Chelsea as Hazard collects possession on the left before driving to the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Indonesia continue to threaten on the break with the race and trickery of Andik, but the wide midfielder has been unable to find an elusive final pass thus far.
It's really bright work from Greg down the right as the Indonesian winger evades the challenge of Wallace before rolling a low cross into the box, but Blackman is on hand to claim the danger. Chelsea make a meal of the clearance, but eventually Ramires wins a free kick from Greg on the half-way line.
Very competitive match with 14 minutes on the clock as the home side continue to cause problems with their pace and trickery around the edge of the box. Alam is again involved as the attempts to slide a low pass towards Sinaga, but Cahill is across to clear. Van Ginkel breaks down the other end, but Ba can only fire straight at Meiga from close range.
It's really bright work from Andik - who has been impressive thus far - as the winger bursts past Bertrand before rolling a low cross into the box, but Blackman comes out to claim. End-to-end football in the last couple of moments as Bertrand finds Ramires in the box, but the Brazilian can only head wide from close range.
Just a few signs that Chelsea are starting to get to grips with this match as the Blues twice came close from corners, but Cahill heads wide before Meiga claims the second. Two good opportunities for Chelsea thus far - one for Hazard and one for Ramires - but the score remains goalless with 18 minutes on the clock.
Again it's good work from Chelsea as Ramires collects a pass from Van Ginkel on the edge of the box, only to be chopped down by Pellu. The resulting free kick is taken by Hazard, but the Belgian can only fire his effort straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Not too much for the home supporters to get excited about in terms of chances as Alam once more finds himself isolated in the final third.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes with the home side enjoying an extended period of possession. There is no question that they have players who could hurt Chelsea in the shape of Andik, Alam and Sinaga. Moses has a half-chance moments later, but once more Meiga is on hand to make the save.
PENALTY TO CHELSEA!
Chelsea are awarded a penalty with 22 minutes on the clock as Hamzah pulls Terry to the ground in the box. It is a cheap spot kick for Chelsea. It appears that Hazard will step forward to try and send the Blues into the lead.
GOAL! Indonesia All-Stars 0-1 Chelsea (Hazard)
Chelsea do indeed have the lead as Hazard slots into the bottom corner. In truth, it is deserved with the Blues starting to take control of proceedings. How do the home side respond?
Another half-chance for Chelsea moments later as Ramires finds Ba inside the box, but the striker just trips at the vital moment. The home side break down the other end with Greg, but the winger lost control at the vital moment. Very competitive match with 25 minutes on the clock.
Another opportunity comes for Chelsea as Ramires takes control of the ball before finding Van Ginkel outside the box, but the young midfielder just slips at the vital moment. Wallace gives away a free kick down the other end moments later, but Alam's set piece is headed clear by Terry in the Chelsea box.
POST! It's really clever from Chalobah as the young midfielder attempts to guide a low effort into the bottom corner, but it smashes off the post. It appears only a matter of time before Chelsea add their second as they continue to cut through the home side's defence. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.
POST! Chelsea again come face-to-face with the woodwork as Wallace drives into the box before releasing an effort towards the bottom corner, only for the post to deny the right-back his first Chelsea goal. Indonesia just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as the Premier League side continue to utterly dominate proceedings.
GOAL! Indonesia 0-2 Chelsea (Ramires)
Chelsea have their second of the match as Hazard drives to the by-line before finding Ramires, who thumps an effort into the top corner. That is just about game, set and match in terms of a contest between the two sides. So comfortable for Chelsea.
GOAL! Indonesia 0-3 Chelsea (Ba)
It is raining goals at the moment as Chelsea add their third courtesy of a close-range finish from Ba. Meiga had done well to save a low strike from Moses, but it fell to the forward, who simply could not miss from inside the box. Chelsea continue to utterly dominate.
Not too much to report in the last couple of moments as the home side finally gain a period of possession. Andik attempts to force the issue down the right with a powerful run, but Bertrand is across to make the challenge. Ba collects down the other end moments later, but the striker is penalised for a push on Roby.
I suspect that we will have a host of changes at the interval from both sides, with Chelsea keen to give minutes to a number of their first-team squad. Another half-chance arrives as Van Ginkel strikes a low effort from outside the box, but Meiga gets down well to make the save. Little under 10 minutes of the half remaining.
CHANCE! Wonderful opportunity for Hazard to score his second and Chelsea's fourth as the Belgian rounds the goalkeeper inside the box, but somehow Meiga manages to smother at the vital moment. It should have been 4-0, well it should be about seven in truth. It has been that one-sided.
Slight stoppage in play as Meiga receives a period of treatment, but it does appear that the goalkeeper will be fit to continue. Wallace continues to cause problems down the right for Chelsea as the full-back drives a low cross into the box, but Roby is across to clear. Little over three minutes of football remaining in the first period.
Chalobah tries is luck from outside the box, but the young midfielder's effort smashes straight into Hamzah, who had taken up a good position in the box. Ba threatens to cause a problem moments later as he drives into the box, but Meiga is once more out to collect. It has been a busy half for the home side's goalkeeper there is no question about that.
GOAL! Indonesia 0-4 Chelsea (Terry)
Chelsea have their fourth of the evening as Terry meets a header from Cahill before flicking into the back of the net from close range. Comprehensive performance from the English outfit in the first period.
HALF-TIME: Indonesia All-Stars 0-4 Chelsea
So there we have it. Indonesia started brightly, but in truth they fell apart in the latter stages of the half. Chelsea had the lead courtesy of a penalty from Hazard, before goals from Ramires, Ba and Terry moved the English outfit into a four-goal lead. It has been very straightforward for the Blues thus far.
I would be very surprised if Jose Mourinho did not look to make a number of changes at the interval. Meanwhile, the home side will also be keen to give a number of their players a taster of football against Chelsea. Let's hope that the tempo of the match remains in the second half. The fresh legs should keep the tiredness to a minimum.
Just a reminder that almost immediately after this match Chelsea will return to London before travelling to the United States for the second part of their tour. The opposition will certainly be tougher there is no question about that. Right, we are a couple of minutes from the second period in Indonesia.
You would be forgiven for thinking that the atmosphere would drop at the interval, but that was not the case. It remains as loud now as it has been at any point during the match. It is understood that Chelsea have made seven changes at the interval. Please bare with me while I bring you up-to-date with all the changes. Once more, the home side are being very secretive about their subs thus far!
Not the easiest of tasks coming to terms with the changes at the interval, but I promise I will do my best to clear things up as soon as possible. Slight delay in getting the second period restarted, but we are now ready to get the action underway. Let's hope that the home side can put up more of a fight in the second 45 minutes.
Bright start to the half from Chelsea as Lukaku - who is one of the changes - collects a pass from Van Ginkel before bursting into the box, but the offside flag had been raised. The home side attempt to break down the other end with Greg, but his long pass is collected by Schwarzer - who has also been introduced in place of Blackman.
It's good work from Van Ginkel as the youngster collects possession outside the box before striking an effort from close range, but it just moves wide of the post. Michael Essien - another change - picks up the pieces, but his effort also moves wide of the post. In truth, Indonesia have not started in this second period thus far.
Again Vin Ginkel is involved for Chelsea as the midfielder combines with Lukaku outside the box, but once more his effort is wide of the post. Hazard collects possession moments later before sliding a pass towards Wallace, but Roby is on hand to clear the danger. Not too much to report in the opening seven minutes of the second period.
GOAL! Indonesia 0-5 Chelsea (Traore)
Wow, that is some strike. We did not know too much about Traore at the beginning of Chelsea's tour, but he has made a real name for himself here. Wonderful effort from the attacker as he curls a strike into the top corner. That is goal number five for the Blues.
GOAL! Indonesia 0-6 Chelsea (Lukaku)
Chelsea have their second in as many minutes as Lukaku rises in the box before thumping a powerful header into the back of the net. This could be anything for Chelsea in the latter stages. Six different scorers for the Blues this evening, which will certainly please Jose Mourinho.
Right, just to confirm the changes for Chelsea. Schwarzer, Ivanovic, Essien, Kalas, Traore and Lukaku have entered the field. Wallace, Terry, Chalobah, Ramires, Ba and Moses have been replaced. It doesn't appear that the home side have made any changes thus far.
First real chance of the second period for the home side as Alam is felled outside the box by Essien. Greg takes the set piece, but Schwarzer is on hand to make a fine save. One goal would at least give the home supporters something to cheer. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this pre-season clash.
GOAL! Indonesia 0-7 Chelsea (Ramires)
Chelsea have number seven as Lukaku finds Ramires on the edge of the box, the Brazilian takes one touch before curling an effort into the bottom corner. In truth, it does not flatter Chelsea. But you have to wonder what they are learning by facing such poor opposition?
Three more changes for Chelsea as Feruz, McEachran and Piazon replace Van Ginkel, Ramires and Hazard. The home side also make a change, although I cannot confirm who has been introduced at this moment! Now it is a chance for the young players to impress Mourinho in the latter stages of this match.
It's a bright start from Feruz as the young defender collects possession on the left before finding Lukaku in the box, but the striker cannot gather at the vital moment. Greg threatens for the home side down the other end moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of Schwarzer. Can Chelsea reach double figures in the latter stages of this match?
It's better from Indonesia in the last couple of moments with Alam and Sinaga combining in the box before the latter meets a powerful cross from Greg, but his header is straight into the arms of Schwarzer. The tempo has noticeably dropped in the last few moments with tired legs and the vast amount of changes from the Blues.
GOAL! Indonesia 0-8 Chelsea (Lukaku)
Chelsea have goal number eight as Piazon drives into the box before finding Lukaku, who slots into the bottom corner. Indonesia just cannot find a single pass at the moment as we approach the final 20 minutes or so. Let's hope that it does not become very embarrassing in the latter stages of action.
In truth, when you take into account how many chances Chelsea missed in the opening 20 minutes, this could easily be 12-0. The home side are preparing a couple more changes, let's hope it can change their fortune somewhat. Everyone in this stadium wants them to find at least one goal from somewhere.
GOAL! Indonesia 1-8 Chelsea (Kalas OG)
The home side have their goal! It's brilliant work from Greg, who drives into the box before rolling a low cross towards Maitimo, Kalas makes the contact, however, with the ball trickling into his own net. Sloppy defending from Chelsea it must be said.
Is the comeback on? Indonesia only need to score seven more in the final 15 minutes or so to secure a draw against their Premier League opponents. Unlikely it must be said! Essien attempts to craft down the other end, but his low pass towards Lukaku is cleared by Hamzah.
Lukaku comes close to adding his third of the evening as he meets a cross from Traore, but Meiga is on hand to make a fine save. The fact that Chelsea have scored eight goals, but have brought a host of good stops from the home side's goalkeeper tells you all that you need to know. Little over 15 minutes of action remaining.
Another half-chance for Chelsea as Traore whips a dangerous cross into the box, but Meiga is on hand to claim under pressure from Lukaku. Alam attempts to cause problems on the counter down the other end, but his final pass is straight into the arms of Schwarzer, who has certainly had a busier half than he might have expected.
Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments with Chelsea comfortable in possession of the ball. There is no question that Lukaku's performances in pre-season have put him right in Mourinho's thoughts to start the campaign as their main striker. He looks a different player following his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion.
Essien attempts the spectacular as he collects a pass from Lukaku before striking an effort from outside the box, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Not one of his best that is for certain. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining this evening. Chelsea return to action next week in America against Inter Milan.
The home side continue to ring the changes with Maitimo, Pellu and Bustomi among the players to be withdrawn in the final stages of the match. There is no question that the tempo has dropped in the last 15 or so minutes, but that is to be expected. Can Chelsea make it double figures in the final six minutes?
It is the end of Greg's evening as the midfielder is replaced. There is no question that he has been the home side's most dangerous player this evening. In truth, the match has turned into a slight non-event with both sides using their full allocation of changes. Little under five minutes of action remaining.
Of all the Chelsea players that started the match, Cahill is the only one that remains. The England defender will be pleased to have got 90 minutes under his belt this evening there is no question about that. It has been another impressive display from Traore, meanwhile, who has done his chances of securing a long-term contract no harm at all. We are almost into the final minute of football, with Chelsea in possession.
Couple of half-chances for Chelsea in stoppage time with Traore and Lukaku both trying their luck from outside the box, but neither can find the back of the net. A mistake from Kalas almost allows Alam into the box, but once more Schwarzer is out to clear. Not much longer remaining in this pre-season clash.
FULL-TIME: Indonesia 1-8 Chelsea
So there we have it. Comprehensive victory for Chelsea as the Blues record an 8-1 win over Indonesia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good afternoon!
