Joao Pedro’s hat-trick powers Chelsea past Western Sydney Wanderers

Chelsea won a wild 6-4 contest at Accor Stadium, with Joao Pedro scoring three late goals after Western Sydney Wanderers had kept the match close.

Chelsea edged Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4 at Accor Stadium in a high-scoring match that stayed open deep into the second half. D. Satpaev put Chelsea ahead in the sixth minute, but goals from A. Pantazopoulos and A. Hammond turned the game around before D. Essugo levelled at 2-2.

D. Scicluna restored the Wanderers’ lead in the 62nd minute. Chelsea answered through J. Gittens, then Joao Pedro took charge: he scored in the 80th, 85th and 89th minutes. A. Lual also found the net for the hosts in the 78th, but Chelsea’s late burst settled the contest.

The defining moment was Joao Pedro’s quick-fire finish to complete his hat-trick and make it 6-4. Chelsea leave with the win and plenty to take from their attacking display; the four goals conceded, however, underline how much the scoreline’s entertainment came at the expense of defensive control.