Enzo Maresca’s woes as Chelsea manager continue after the Blues lost 2-1 to Real Madrid at the Bank of America Stadium in the United States of America.
First-half goals from Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz gave Los Blancos the deserved win over the Blues, with Noni Madueke scoring Chelsea’s only goal in the game.
Chelsea started the game as the better side, trying to create chances, but failing to hit the back of the net. That saw Real Madrid grow into the game after 15 minutes of play and were close to scoring through Vinicius, but Reece James produced good defending to keep the Brazilian out.
Pressure from the reigning Champions League holders paid off in the 19th minute as Dani Ceballos turned in a Lucas Vazquez shot, a move which started from Rodrygo’s wonderful pass.
The Spanish champions doubled their lead eight minutes later, as Vinicius set up Diaz, who dribbled Jorgensen to find the back of the net. The Blues pulled one back in the 39th minute after Enzo Fernandez’s pass was met by Madueke’s header past Thibaut Courtois.
Again, Chelsea started the second half brightly like they did in the first, and their first effort by Nkunku was saved by Andrey Lunin. Both teams brought in fresh legs in the second 45 minutes of play but failed to create clear-cut chances.
Nico Paz came in for Diaz, and the Argentine brought life into the game. However, Real Madrid were unable to add to their tally, and the game ended 2-1 in their favour.
After the final whistle, Diaz was named the man of the match as Los Blancos head back to Spain with a win.
Up next for Carlo Ancelotti’s side is the European Super Cup clash against Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta on Wednesday while Chelsea face Inter Milan in one last friendly before starting the Premier League campaign at home to Manchester City.