Australian showdown: Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea vs De Zerbi’s Tottenham

In Sydney’s Accor Stadium, Australian fans will witness a contrast between Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, fresh from a turbulent 24‑hour period, and Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham, eager to debut Jan Paul van Hecke, as the two English clubs meet on 1 August 2026.

The live blog, authored by LUKE POWER, SPORTS REPORTER, and KIERAN GILL IN SYDNEY, invites readers to follow the match as the two English clubs meet in Australia.

Players walked out to fireworks and Stamford Bridge’s pre‑match tune "The Liquidator" by Harry J All Star, creating a home‑like atmosphere for Chelsea supporters.

It is the first Chelsea‑versus‑Tottenham game outside the UK, and the pitch looks better than on Tuesday when Chelsea faced Western Sydney Wanderers; a young fan even held a cardboard cut‑out of Liam Delap.

Alonso told CFC+ that training has been good and the first game in Sydney was intense, noting the team showed pressing, energy and a full‑house atmosphere that felt natural.

Chelsea have endured a whirlwind 24‑hour period: Mykhailo Mudryk is now cleared to play after his doping ban was reduced by two‑and‑a‑half years, and the club escaped a 15‑point deduction, receiving only a £10 million fine and a suspended two‑window transfer ban after self‑reporting an FA breach.

Tottenham will showcase defender Jan Paul van Hecke for the first time after his Brighton move; the club named a strong XI and expects a crowd of about 80,000, roughly 70 % in Chelsea shirts and 30 % in Spurs.

A minor injury to Robert Sanchez was noted, while Mike Penders remains on his post‑World Cup break and Teddy Sharman‑Lowe starts in goal.

Cole Palmer admitted he fell asleep at half‑time of England versus Mexico, prompting hopes he stays awake for today’s game.