Chelsea to Host Pre-Season Cup at Stamford Bridge with Milan & Leverkusen
Stamford Bridge to Welcome 2025 VisitMalta Weekender: Chelsea, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen Booked
Chelsea Football Club has officially announced that Stamford Bridge is set to host an electric pre-season tournament, the 2025 VisitMalta Weekender, ahead of the upcoming Premier League 2025/26 season. The event will be staged on August 8 and 10 with high-profiled European clubs: AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, and host Chelsea FC.
This summer clash is sure to bring the best action and serve as a final competitive test before domestic league matches start.
VisitMalta Weekender Match schedule at Stamford Bridge
Friday, August 8, 2025
Chelsea v Bayer Leverkusen – Kick-off: 7:00 PM
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Chelsea v AC Milan – Kick-off: 3:00 PM
The second match arrives less than a week before the Premier League 2025/26 opening season, and this is therefore an important part of Enzo Maresca’s pre-season preparation.
Chelsea Prepares for Competitive Season
Chelsea Commercial President Todd Kline was excited regarding the top-level tournament and emphasized its importance in refining the team before the new season.
“We are keen to welcome the 2025 VisitMalta Weekender to Stamford Bridge this summer as we gear up in earnest for the 2025/26 season. Having AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen come in is a fantastic source of competition for the players and a fantastic opportunity for the fans to see football live at the Bridge to kick-start the season.”
Kline also added that the match would mark the introduction of digital ticketing across Stamford Bridge, enhancing matchday experience for fans.
Global Context: Chelsea’s Club World Cup Campaign Continues
The news comes as Chelsea are pushing on in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which is taking place in the United States. Enzo Maresca’s side started their campaign with a 2-0 win against MLS side LAFC in Atlanta, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez netting.
The side then travels to Philadelphia to face Flamengo on Friday, before finishing Group D against Esperance de Tunis the week after.
The Club World Cup is a real opportunity at silverware and momentum as Chelsea enter possibly a season-defining period under Maresca.
Why the VisitMalta Weekender Matters for Chelsea
This pre-season trophy is more than a collection of friendly games:
Trying it out against European greats: Playing Milan and Leverkusen provides tactical savvy and match acuity.
Signing time to leave their stamp: With recruits like Liam Delap, Pedro Neto, and others added this summer, these games will bring balance.
Trial digital ticketing: Chelsea’s forward-thinking cut continues with digital ticketing across the stadium.
Final dress rehearsal: These games offer Maresca the chance to finalize his tactical blueprint prior to competitive football returning.
On the Horizon: Premier League Fixture Release Coming Soon
Chelsea will learn their opening-day rivals on Wednesday when the Premier League 2025/26 fixture list is announced officially. Fans can expect a blockbuster comeback to English football just days following the VisitMalta Weekender.
Breaking: Chelsea to Host Pre-Season Cup at Stamford Bridge with Milan & Leverkusen
