CHELSEA ended their pre-season tour of America with a defeat.
Real Madrid became the latest side on this tour to take advantage of Chelsea’s incredibly sloppy defending.
A scramble in the box after a break led to Dani Ceballos bundling the ball in at the far post.
The Blues were caught out again when Vinicius Jr sent a superb ball in behind their high line and set Brahim Diaz free.
The Madrid man rounded Filip Jorgensen and finished from a very tight angle.
Chelsea pulled one back before the break as Noni Madueke rose to head a fine Enzo Fernandez cross in at the back post.
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The Blues improved defensively after the break as both games went through the motions – seemingly desperate to escape and get to the airport without incident.
Here is how SunSport’s Jack Rosser rated the Blues…
Filip Jorgensen – 5
Unfortunate for the first goal but probably could have done more to stop Diaz for Real Madrid’s second.
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Reece James – 5
Struggled a lot up against Vinicius Jr at times, though did make one fine first half tackle on the Brazilian. Defensively very questionable at times and rarely got forwards.
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Levi Colwill – 5
Made a great last ditch challenge to stop Vinicius Jr early on but looked lost defensively at times as the game went on.
Benoit Badiashile – 5
Lack of energy at the back making it far too easy for Real to get through at times.
Malo Gusto – 6
Definitely still adapting to a new role on the left and playing in the middle on the ball. Got caught out in transition at times and was wasteful in possession but improved significantly in the second half.
Romeo Lavia – 6
Continues to look confident and impressive on the ball, trying to dictate games from the middle. Could have offered more cover to the defence at times.
Noni Madueke – 7
One of Chelsea’s best performers on this tour of America. Scored his third goal in five games with a well-timed header and was a constant threat down the right.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Looked much more comfortable than the last two games and provided a superb assist for Madueke’s goal.
Christopher Nkunku – 6
Looking sharper with each game though struggled to look as dangerous in the final third as he has been. Looks a very good fit for Maresca’s style of play.
Raheem Sterling – 6
Looks very comfortable in this new system, having thrived in similar roles at Manchester City. A couple of nearly moments going forwards and caused Real a few problems.
Marc Guiu – 5
Put in a lot of work to lead the line but lacked a cutting edge and had to work with limited service.
Subs
Mykhailo Mudryk – 5
A vintage Mudryk display – lots of great work getting to the box and absolutely no end product once he arrived.
Moises Caicedo – 6
More minutes for a player Maresca feels will be crucial if he is to succeed this season – looked sharp on the ball and kept the tempo up.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6
A couple of bright moments on the ball and good runs in behind but not the greatest impact from the summer signing.
Wesley Fofana – 6
Brought on in the unusual role of right-back but did not look out of place and was untroubled.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
