News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/7th August 2024
Chelsea’s American pre-season tour ended in disappointment as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match showcased a competitive edge from both sides but ultimately saw Real Madrid emerge victorious with a solid performance.
The game began with Real Madrid taking the lead just before the 20-minute mark. Dani Ceballos, a former Arsenal player, capitalized on a deflected shot from Lucas Vazquez to score the opening goal. Real Madrid’s advantage was doubled shortly after by Brahim Diaz, who maneuvered around Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and slotted the ball into the net from a narrow angle.
Chelsea managed to pull one back just over five minutes before the break. Noni Madueke, demonstrating his aerial prowess, headed in a cross from Enzo Fernandez, giving the Blues a glimmer of hope as they went into halftime trailing 2-1.
The second half saw both teams battle hard, but neither could find the back of the net. Real Madrid maintained their control and defensive discipline, ensuring Chelsea’s attempts to level the score were thwarted. Notable moments included several key defensive plays and missed opportunities from both sides, but Real Madrid held firm to secure the win.
Chelsea will now focus on their upcoming pre-season fixture against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge. This match will serve as their final preparation before the Premier League season kicks off with a challenging game against Manchester City. Real Madrid, on the other hand, will prepare for their next encounter against Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup before defending their La Liga title with a fixture against Mallorca.
In summary, the match highlighted Real Madrid’s effective finishing and defensive resilience, while Chelsea will need to address their weaknesses as they head into the new season.
