Joao Pedro’s 10-minute hat-trick ensured Xabi Alonso’s first match as Chelsea manager ended with a 6-4 friendly win over Western Sydney Wanderers at Accor Stadium according to New York Times.
The striker, who was snubbed by Brazil for the World Cup, only entered the match after the hour mark — and left it with three goals and a lot of smiles.
New signing Dastan Satpaev (7’) had opened the scoring for a youthful Chelsea XI before Wanderers hit back with goals from Anthony Pantazopoulos (13’) and Aydan Hammond (32’). Dario Essugo (37’) and Jamie Gittens (66’) equalised either side of half-time for the Blues, after goals from Dylan Scicluna (62’) and then Awan Lual (78’) threatened an upset.
At which point, Joao Pedro took over — scoring on 80, 86 and 90 minutes to hit a rapid treble and finally put Wanderers to bed.