Chelsea kicked off their 2025/26 Premier League season opener at home with a nail-biting goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge. It may not have been the result the Blues hoped for, but Maresca was quick to find the positives from the match in what he described as a tough game.
The Blues had their moments going forward but couldn’t quite find the cutting edge to beat Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson. At the same time, Robert Sánchez was called into action at the other end as the Eagles showed why they are the reigning FA Cup and Community Shield winners.
After the game, Maresca kept a calm perspective, saying on Chelsea’s official X handle that the draw was far from a disappointment. He said:
“No. Tough game. We expected a tough game. We tried our best and created chances. Except the free kick we didn’t concede chances. They are a very good team; that’s why they won two finals.”
Catch Enzo Maresca’s post-match reaction posted on the club’s Official X handle below:
Marseca agreed that his side still has room to improve but reminded fans that this was just the first game of the new season. He said:
“Always we can do better. We could attack better. We could defend in some moments better, but you know, it’s the first game of the season.”
It wasn’t the three points the fans were hoping for on opening day, but the Chelsea boss made it clear he was satisfied with the effort and believes the results will come as the team settles into the rhythm of the campaign.
