Cole Palmer renewed his recent rivalry with Jarell Quansah during Chelsea’s 2-0 friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen on Friday evening.
The England pair reunited at Stamford Bridge three months on from the Blues’ 3-1 Premier League win over Liverpool in west London.
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Quansah left Palmer in a heap during the first half at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
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The Chelsea star was left limping from the slide tackleCredit: Getty
A week after the Reds were confirmed champions in May, Quansah was handed only his third top-flight start under Arne Slot.
However, the 22-year-old endured a torrid time at Chelsea, scoring an own-goal from a Pamer cross and then conceding a penalty.
The latter mistake allowed fellow Englishman Palmer the opportunity to end his four-month goal drought and seal a 3-1 win for the hosts.
Two months later, Quansah was sold to Bayer Leverkusen for a total package of over €40million (£34m) including add-ons.
The defender was back on home soil this evening for a pre-season friendly, but had clearly not banished his Stamford Bridge demons.
Quansah received an earful from Palmer for a wild and rash tackle that left his England teammate writhing about on the turf.
The centre-back was caught mouthing, ‘I got the ball’ as Palmer returned to his feet and grabbed his shirt.
The two then shoved each other, but were separated by teammates before tempers could boil over.
Match referee Stuart Attwell settled proceedings down by cautioning Quansah with a yellow card for the reckless challenge.
Palmer was then caught limping as play restarted, having been involved in helping Chelsea take the lead ten minutes earlier.
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Palmer didn’t take kindly to Quansah’s challengeCredit: Getty
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The England teammates squared up to one another during the friendlyCredit: Getty
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Quansah and Palmer were pulled apart by teammatesCredit: GettyChelsea vs Bayer Leverkusen result
The 23-year-old’s delicate lob had cannoned off the crossbar before being turned home by new signing Estevao Willian.
Estevao, who signed for Chelsea in June 2024 for a £30million fee that could reach £50m with add-ons, was making his Blues debut.
The Brazilian, who emulated Palmer’s ‘cold’ celebration while at Palmeiras, instead opted to kiss his new club’s badge.
On the stroke of full-time, his countryman, Joao Pedro, continued his fine goalscoring start to life at Chelsea by adding a second.
The former Brighton star found the bottom left corner, having been found by young substitute Genesis Antwi’s low cross from the right.
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Estevao scored and lifted a trophy on his first Chelsea appearanceCredit: GettyWho do Chelsea play next?
Chelsea, who only lifted the Club World Cup last month, added another trophy to the collection by beating Leverkusen.
Enzo Maresca‘s side were crowned the VisitMalta Weekender Winners 2025 despite facing AC Milan on Sunday in the same tournament.
Chelsea have had just three weeks’ rest since their Club World Cup triumph, but proved there was no hangover against Erik ten Hag.
Yet, they were without Levi Colwill, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury upon the club’s return to training this week.
The Chelsea defender faces a significant period on the sidelines, having already undergone surgery on the knee injury.
Chelsea begin their campaign at home to Crystal Palace on August 17.
Colwill played 35 times in the league last term as his side finished fourth to secure Champions League qualification.