Spurs edge Chelsea to clinch Sydney Cup in preseason encounter
By Luke Oluoch, August 1, 2026Chelsea FC’s first test of real top opposition in pre-season came to a heartbreaking end after Tottenham Hotspur handed their London neighbours a 2-1 defeat on Saturday, August 1, 2026, to win the Sydney Cup pre-season matchup.
Sandro Tonali put the visitors in the lead with a 17th-minute strike before Chelsea hit back almost immediately through Estêvão Willian.
The tie took a turn in the 49th minute after defender Kevin Danso was sent off, but it was Spurs who scored late through Richarlison to win the tie and claim derby bragging rights in the pre-season encounter.
Team News & Lineups
Xabi Alonso named Victor Esuigo and new signing Guilherme Palestra among his starting team, with Estêvão Willian—who missed the end of last season through injury, returning to partner with Cole Palmer and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Brazilian striker João Pedro led the attack.
For Tottenham Hotspur, Antonín Kinský started in goal, with Jan Paul van Hecke and Andrew Robertson named in the four-man defense for the tie. Dominic Solanke, the former Chelsea player, led the attack.
Match action
Spurs got the opener inside the opening twenty minutes as the former Newcastle United midfielder found the back of the net, driving his shot past the Chelsea backline and goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe.
Estêvão Willian found an instant response, heading home from a cross by Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
After Xabi Alonso rotated his defense in the second half, Spurs went for the kill and got the goal after the Blues’ backline failed to adequately clear their lines from outside the box. Tottenham Hotspur had a shot at goal rebound off the post for an onrushing Richarlison to poke home the late winner.
Next encounters
The win cements Spurs’ unbeaten pre-season momentum, coming two days after their penalty shootout victory over Sydney FC in Australia. Roberto De Zerbi’s charges drew 1-1 with the Australian A-League side in normal time before edging the hosts on post-match penalties to win 4-2.
Both teams now focus on their upcoming fixtures. Chelsea will play Juventus on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in another friendly, as Roberto De Zerbi and Spurs angle for the clash against Getafe on Saturday, August 8, 2026.