Chelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen live: Estêvão may debut at Stamford Bridge for the Blues after leaving Palmeiras

Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen clash this Friday, August 8, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. (Brasília time), in a pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge, London. Broadcast live in Brazil by DAZN, the match marks Chelsea’s return after winning the Club World Cup in July. The game is a crucial test for Chelsea, who debut in the Premier League against Crystal Palace on August 17, and for Leverkusen, preparing for the German Cup. A major highlight is the possible debut of Estêvão Willian, ex-Palmeiras, signed for €61.5 million, who could make his first official appearance in Chelsea’s jersey. Under Enzo Maresca’s guidance, the Blues test new signings, while Erik ten Hag, Leverkusen’s new coach, aims to solidify his squad post-rebuild.

The matchup promises to be a spectacle, with Chelsea showcasing young talents and Leverkusen testing their new playing style. Estêvão, who shone in the Club World Cup by scoring against Chelsea, is a major draw for London fans. The game also rekindles a 2011 Champions League rivalry.

• Live broadcast: DAZN in Brazil, Channel 5 in the UK, Paramount+ in the USA.
• Highlight: Estêvão Willian may debut after impressing in training.
• Context: Friendly serves as preparation for official competitions.

Likely lineups in focus

Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. Robert Sánchez will be in goal, protected by Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Marc Cucurella. In midfield, Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are likely to pair up, with Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, and Jamie Gittens forming the attacking line. João Pedro, recently signed from Brighton, is the forward. Estêvão Willian, officially presented on Monday, may come on in the second half, possibly replacing Gittens, to showcase his game-changing ability.

Bayer Leverkusen, under Erik ten Hag, is expected to use a 3-4-2-1, prioritizing defensive compactness and fast wing play. Mark Flekken will be in goal, with Edmond Tapsoba, Jarell Quansah, and Piero Hincapié in defense. Arthur and Alejandro Grimaldo will cover the wings, while Exequiel Palacios and Robert Andrich anchor midfield. Nathan Tella and Malik Tillman, a new signing from PSV, will support striker Christian Kofane. The German side aims for better cohesion after losing players like Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong.

• Chelsea: Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Gittens; João Pedro.
• Leverkusen: Flekken; Tapsoba, Quansah, Hincapié; Arthur, Palacios, Andrich, Grimaldo; Tella, Tillman; Kofane.
• Coaches: Maresca focuses on possession; Ten Hag emphasizes quick transitions.

It’s good to be back! ☀️😁 pic.twitter.com/XavekxqQLw

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 8, 2025

Estêvão: the possible debut stirring fans

Estêvão Willian, 18, is the main attraction of the friendly. Signed from Palmeiras for €61.5 million, the Brazilian was officially presented by Chelsea on August 5, after turning 18. In the Club World Cup, he scored against the Blues, cementing his reputation as Brazil’s biggest talent since Neymar. In training at Cobham, Estêvão impressed with his speed, dribbling, and vision, prompting Maresca to consider him for the match. His potential debut, even if in the second half, is eagerly awaited by fans packing Stamford Bridge.

Estêvão’s inclusion is part of Chelsea’s overhaul, with heavy investments in young talents like Jorrel Hato (€46.5 million, ex-Ajax) and Jamie Gittens (ex-Borussia Dortmund). The Brazilian, wearing the number 41, has expressed “excitement” about debuting and contributing. His call-up to Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers underscores his potential. Fans hope he forms a dynamic duo with Cole Palmer on the right flank.

• Estêvão’s profile: 83 games for Palmeiras, 14 goals, 5 caps for Brazil.
• Expectation: Likely to come on in the second half, replacing Gittens or Neto.
• Impact: Fans anticipate dribbles and game-changing plays at Stamford Bridge.

How to watch the game live

The match will be broadcast live in Brazil exclusively by DAZN, starting at 3:00 p.m. (Brasília time). Subscribers can watch for free via the platform’s app or website. In the UK, Channel 5 will air the game at 6:00 p.m. (local time), while in the USA, Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network will broadcast at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Both clubs will offer highlights on their YouTube channels and official websites after the match. For fans outside their regions, a VPN like NordVPN may unlock streaming services. Live blogs, such as Standard Sport’s, and Chelsea’s official app will provide real-time updates.

• Brazil: DAZN, 3:00 p.m., free for subscribers.
• UK: Channel 5, 6:00 p.m. (local time).
• USA: Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo, 2:00 p.m. (Eastern time).
• Highlights: Available on clubs’ YouTube and websites post-match.

Tactical and strategic context

Chelsea enters with the confidence of Club World Cup champions but faces injury challenges. Levi Colwill, with a torn ACL, is out for the season, and Wesley Fofana is sidelined with a tendon issue. Enzo Fernández and Romeo Lavia, recovered from minor injuries, are expected to play, but Benoit Badiashile and Dário Essugo are doubts. Maresca will use the friendly to integrate signings and maintain home invincibility, with Chelsea winning 11 of their last 13 home games.

Bayer Leverkusen, rebuilding after losing Xabi Alonso, Wirtz, and Frimpong, comes off three straight friendly wins against Bochum, Fortuna Sittard, and Pisa, following a 5-1 loss to Flamengo’s U-20s. Ten Hag aims to solidify his fast-transition philosophy, with Malik Tillman (ex-PSV) and Jarell Quansah (ex-Liverpool) as key additions. The friendly is their final major test before the German Cup.

• Chelsea: Without Colwill and Fofana; Hato and Adarabioyo in defense.
• Leverkusen: Tillman and Quansah are Ten Hag’s bets.
• Tactics: Chelsea prioritizes possession; Leverkusen focuses on speed.

Historical rivalry and current moment

Chelsea and Bayer Leverkusen have a balanced history, splitting wins in the 2011 Champions League. Chelsea won 2-0 in London with goals from David Luiz and Juan Mata, while Leverkusen took a 2-1 victory in Germany. Players like Michael Ballack, who played for both clubs, defined this rivalry. The 2025 friendly is a chance for Chelsea to maintain home dominance and for Leverkusen to prove resilience in a European setting.

Chelsea, with a squad valued over €1 billion, relies on young stars to sustain their edge. Leverkusen, Bundesliga runners-up in 2024-25, navigates a rebuild but leans on Palacios and Grimaldo for balance. Estêvão’s potential debut adds excitement, with fans hoping he replicates his Club World Cup flair against Chelsea.

• 2011 clashes: Chelsea 2-0 in London; Leverkusen 2-1 in Germany.
• Chelsea: Bolstered by Hato, Gittens, and Estêvão.
• Leverkusen: Rebuild with Tillman and Quansah in focus.