Reporting note: this article draws on bernama.com; Score808 Live provides the summary and editorial framing.
Johor Darul Ta'zim drew 3-3 with Chelsea in an international friendly at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim on 9 August 2026. The six-goal match closed JDT's pre-season programme with a demanding test before the Liga Super opener against Kuching City.
How the 3-3 draw unfolded
JDT scored first through Arif Aiman after a Marcos Guilherme pass. Chelsea recovered through two Liam Delap penalties and moved 2-1 ahead, but JDT responded through Óscar Arribas before substitute Bergson put the Malaysian champion in front late in the match. An Antonio Glauder own goal in the closing minutes produced the final 3-3 score.
The result is notable because JDT continued to attack after falling behind and found two second-half goals. It is also important to label the event correctly: this was a pre-season friendly, not a Liga Super result, and it awarded no league points.
What the match may tell supporters
The performance demonstrated intensity against high-level opposition and several routes to goal: transition play, a set piece and an impact from the bench. Bergson later described the draw as a reflection of the team's character and said the preparation helped him build chemistry with new teammates.
A friendly still has limits. Substitutions, training load and experimentation differ from a competitive match, so the draw should not be treated as proof of a league outcome. The more reliable test begins when line-ups, points and recovery between competitive fixtures matter.
Next: the Liga Super opener
JDT opens the league against Kuching City at Stadium Sultan Ibrahim on 21 August. That match also serves as the Piala Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah fixture and counts toward the league standings. Check the current jadual for match details and the Liga Super table once competitive results are recorded.
How to follow the season
The Score808 Liga Super hub combines match status with competition reporting. Use the results page after full time rather than carrying this 3-3 friendly into the league record.
Scoreline and player context checked against Bernama's report published 10 August 2026.