Bayern Munich Edge Aston Villa 2-1 in Hong Kong's Pre-Season Friendly

Aston Villa's Far East tour ended in defeat as they fell 1-2 to German champions Bayern Munich in a pre-season friendly at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park on August 7. The match attracted over 38,000 fans.

Photo source: offered by the reader of Bastille Post

Photo source: offered by the reader of Bastille Post

Bayern broke the deadlock just before half-time, with defender Kim Min-jae rising to head in from Tom Bischof's free-kick. Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot produced several fine saves in the second half to keep his side in contention, but Bayern doubled their lead when former Liverpool forward Luis Díaz smashed a shot.

Photo source: offered by the reader of Bastille Post

Villa struggled to create much going forward for most of the game. Fortunately, summer signing João Gomes drilled a shot to give the side hope. Tammy Abraham then came close to snatching an equaliser, only to be denied by a stop from Bayern's Manuel Neuer, as Bayern Munich held on for the win.

Photo source: offered by the reader of Bastille Post

Photo source: offered by the reader of Bastille Post

Juventus secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Kai Tak Stadium on the evening of August 5, bringing the curtain down on Hong Kong's premier summer football festival in 2026 with a stunning long-range strike from winger Edon Zhegrova in the second half.

The scene of the match, Photo source: offered by the reader of Bastille Post

The showcase match was played in front of a boisterous crowd of more than 43,000 spectators and remained goalless after a cagey first half. The deadlock was finally broken in the 68th minute when Zhegrova unleashed a powerful effort, netting the only goal of the game and clinching the Herbalgy Trophy for the Serie A side. The defeat extended Chelsea's winless run in pre-season to two matches under manager Xabi Alonso, with the Blues unable to find an equaliser despite a late push.

From left, Tayo Subuloye and Romeo Lavia of Chelsea look on as their goalkeeper Mike Penders jumps to block a shot from Juventus during a pre-season friendly soccer match for the Hong Kong Football Festival in Hong Kong on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Photo source: AP News

The fixture served as the headline finale of the 2026 Hong Kong Football Festival, following Saturday's opening showdown in which Inter Milan defeated Manchester City at the same venue.

Juventus secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea. Photo source: FB@Rosanna Law