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 Sanchez 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: