Premier Division — Old Trafford, Attendance: 90,879
Chelsea’s march atop English football encountered its first major test of the season in Manchester, where a pulsating 2–2 draw with Man UFC showed both the brilliance and the vulnerability of Calin Dimario’s reigning champions. Despite leading twice through Jairzinho and Nacho Valera, Chelsea were denied all three points by a brace from former Blues prospect Sol Busumbru.
Jairzinho Ignites the Contest
It took only nine minutes for Chelsea to light up Old Trafford. Jairzinho, ever the spark on the left, cut inside and unleashed a venomous drive that flew in off the post — a goal of precision and personality. The Brazilian’s celebration, all energy and defiance, told the story of a winger who relishes the grandest stages.
But the momentum came at a cost. Midfield maestro Pelé — the heartbeat of Dimario’s system — pulled up sharply in the 31st minute, clutching his ankle before being forced off. His absence would alter the rhythm of Chelsea’s control, a metronome silenced mid-song.
Valera’s Composed Finish
Still, Chelsea struck again before half-time. When Man UFC’s Success Adebayo miscontrolled a routine pass, 19-year-old Nacho Valera pounced, volleying home from close range. VAR intervened briefly, but justice prevailed — the goal stood, and Valera’s dazzling rise continued.
Already a key figure at just nineteen, Valera now looks every bit the heir to Dimario’s forward line: clinical, intelligent, utterly unflappable.
Busumbru Haunts His Old Club
Then came the turn of Sol Busumbru, once a promising teenager in Chelsea’s academy, now the tormentor of his former club. The striker pulled one back on 59 minutes, finishing clinically from inside the box to drag Man UFC back into the game.
With ten minutes left, Busumbru struck again — seizing on a rare lapse from Mario Cardozo to drill a low effort beyond Risvi. His muted celebration said everything; the old home, the new reality.
Robles’ League Bow
While the result stung, there were bright notes for Dimario’s side. Alberto Robles, Chelsea’s £71 million summer signing, made his Premier Division debut, following an impressive Community Shield performance the week before. The Mexican playmaker showed flashes of his trademark poise and passing range, knitting play together in Pelé’s absence and looking every inch a long-term fixture in the midfield.
Dimario Reflects
After the match, manager Calin Dimario remained philosophical:
“You can’t win every battle, but this team never hides. That’s what makes us champions.”
Even with dropped points, the draw sends Chelsea top of the Premier Division — a statement less about dominance and more about enduring excellence.