Published: 09:16, August 6, 2026
Juve edge Chelsea 1-0 to wrap up HK Football Festival
By Wang Zhan in Hong Kong
Players of Chelsea and Juventus compete during a football friendly at the Hong Kong Football Festival at the Kai Tak Stadium on Aug 5, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY)

Juventus claimed a 1-0 victory over Chelsea on Wednesday night at the Kai Tak Stadium, closing out Hong Kong’s premier summer football festival with a long-range second-half strike from winger Edon Zhegrova.

Playing in front of a roaring crowd of over 43,000 spectators, the showcase match remained deadlocked through a goalless first half. The breakthrough arrived in the 68th minute when Zhegrova secured the game's sole goal to earn the Serie A club the Herbalgy Trophy. The defeat marked a second consecutive pre-season loss for manager Xabi Alonso’s side, who failed to capitalize on late efforts to equalize.

The clash served as the finale of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2026, following Saturday's opener where Inter Milan defeated Manchester City 3-1.

China Daily’s photographer Andy Chong captured the intense action and spectators’ excitement through his camera.

Members of Juventus celebrate after winning a football friendly over Chelsea during the Hong Kong Football Festival at the Kai Tak Stadium on Aug 5, 2026. (ANDY CHONG / CHINA DAILY