English giants set for The Herbalgy Trophy clash against Juventus on Wednesday night
Passionate fans support Chelsea at the Club's Open Training session ahead of The Herbalgy Trophy match with Juventus, the second and final match in the Hong Kong Football Festival 2026.It was a new manager and a new-look squad - but there was the familiar and famous Chelsea style of football on display tonight at their Hong Kong Football Festival (HKFF) 2026 Open Training session. With over 15,000 fans on the edge of their seats, the English giant intensely prepared for the second and final match of the HKFF 2026, The Herbalgy Trophy, against Italian powerhouse Juventus at the Kai Tak Stadium.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso knows a thing or two about style–as a World Cup winner and one of Spain's greatest-ever players– and after taking his team through a testing session before Wednesday night's big game, he said he was ready for the challenge ahead.
"I have a good feeling with the team, with the players. We feel that we are ready for sure," said Alonso, who's been with Chelsea for just over a month. "Juventus is a great team with great, experienced players, with a great coach, so it's going to be a very interesting and useful test for us.
"We are looking forward to playing in this stadium. The excitement and the engagement with the local fans is fantastic. You feel that even being far away, they are so close to us. They are very involved in their team news, and that's great to hear."
The Blues have been joined this week in Hong Kong by no fewer than six new faces to their touring squad, with the likes of recent World Cup star Pedro Neto and new signings in Geovany Quenda and Danny Welbeck turning it on for 15,667 faithful fans on Tuesday.
The Chelsea squad has also been out and about in the lead up to Wednesday night, with players taking in sights including Ocean Park as well as a ride on one of the city's famous trams.
"The people have been great," said Chelsea star Moises Caicedo. "We feel like we are at home. It's my first time here and I feel at home. So to the fans, I just want to say thank you for the support, for being supportive even with the time difference because it's not easy for you guys to watch us in the Premier League. We really appreciate it, we realise that you do everything for us."
For their part, Juventus have new faces in Randal Kolo Muani and Kerim Alajbegovic among their squad for Wednesday night's match, alongside young gun Kenan Yıldız, named Serie A Best Under-23 Player for his heroics last season.
Manager Luciano Spalletti said he had cast an eye over rivals across this post-season already - and he was impressed.
"Chelsea is a very strong team," said Spalletti.
"They have a good coach, capable, who was a player and knows football very well. I was able to see some of the previous friendly matches and it's a tough game for us. But it's from these games that we'll see if we're ready for the season. You can't just ease into it. You have to start strong and be on par with stronger teams like Chelsea. Tomorrow will be a very demanding match."
The 2026 edition of HKFF launched on Saturday night with reigning Italian Serie A champions FC Internazionale Milano (Inter) lifting the Asahi Super Dry Trophy, downing Manchester City 3-1 on penalties after scores had been locked 1-1 at the end of normal time.
A crowd of 42,826 thrilled to every moment as did local retailers who reported footfall around the tournament had increased fourfold as local fans and international visitors spread the cheer city-wide. The Kai Tai Sports Park has been the centre of attention with its restaurants, cafes and shops inside the Kai Tak Retail Malls buzzing.
Around HK$437 million (US$56 million) in economic value was generated by the inaugural Hong Kong Football Festival in 2025 and the 12 months since have seen an expanded array of dining, entertainment and shopping options made available to both local fans and to those tagging HKFF on to an extended holiday. The tournament has also welcomed around 600 players, staff and support team members to town.
The Match Schedule:
● The Herbalgy Trophy – Chelsea FC vs Juventus: Kick-off: 7:30pm, Wednesday, 5 August 2026
The Hong Kong Football Festival is proudly supported by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, The Government of Hong Kong. The Presenting Partner for the match between Chelsea and Juventus is Herbalgy and the Bank of China is the banking partner, Trip.com is the Official Travel Experience Partner, and the Official Broadcaster is HOY TV. Supporting partners for the match include the Hong Kong Tourism Board and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA)....
Hong Kong Football Festival is proud of being an "M" Mark event that helps enhance the image of Hong Kong as Asia's sports event capital. The "M" Mark is awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee, symbolising intense, spectacular and signature events in the territory sports calendar.