Real Madrid Secures Victory in Charlotte: Real Madrid concluded their U.S. preseason tour with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Chelsea at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match, held on a vibrant Tuesday night, showcased Madrid’s depth and resilience, even in the absence of star players Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham.
Key Players Rested
New arrivals Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham did not participate in the U.S. tour, taking a much-needed rest after their summer exploits at the European Championship. Despite their absence, Real Madrid still fielded a strong squad, proving their depth and quality.
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Early Dominance by Real Madrid
Real Madrid took control of the game early, with Lucas Vázquez scoring the first goal before the 20-minute mark. A goalmouth scramble ended with Vázquez poking the ball home from close range, giving Madrid the lead.
Doubling the Lead
Madrid doubled their lead shortly after, thanks to Brahim Díaz. He expertly controlled a through ball from Vinícius Júnior, rounded Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen, and scored from a tight angle, showcasing his composure and skill.
Chelsea’s Response
Despite struggling to make significant inroads into Madrid’s defense, Chelsea pulled a goal back before halftime. Noni Madueke’s towering header from an Enzo Fernández cross provided a glimmer of hope for the Blues.
Goalless Second Half
The second half was an energetic affair with both teams creating chances but failing to convert. The game saw numerous substitutions, which disrupted the flow and led to a goalless second half.
Upcoming Fixtures
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid will now turn their attention to the UEFA Super Cup on August 14, where they will face Atalanta. Meanwhile, Chelsea has one more friendly on August 11 before kicking off their Premier League campaign at home against Manchester City on August 18.
Chelsea’s Post-Match Reaction
Chelsea started the game positively but were undone by defensive lapses. Despite posing occasional threats, their execution in the final third was lacking. Post-match reactions highlighted the need for improvements ahead of the Premier League season.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Shots on Goal | 3 | 3 |
| Shot Attempts | 14 | 9 |
| Fouls | 10 | 6 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 0 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Corner Kicks | 6 | 1 |
| Saves | 2 | 1 |
Real Madrid Lineup
| Formation: 4-3-3 | |
|---|---|
| 1 Thibaut Courtois | 20 Fran García |
| 22 Antonio Rüdiger | 3 Éder Militão |
| 17 Lucas Vázquez | 19 Dani Ceballos |
| 10 Luka Modric | 28 Mario Martín |
| 7 Vinícius Júnior | 21 Brahim Díaz |
| 11 Rodrygo |
Chelsea Lineup
| Formation: 4-2-3-1 | |
|---|---|
| 12 Filip Jörgensen | 27 Malo Gusto |
| 5 Benoît Badiashile | 6 Levi Colwill |
| 24 Reece James | 45 Romeo Lavia |
| 8 Enzo Fernández | 38 Marc Guiu |
| 7 Raheem Sterling | 18 Christopher Nkunku |
| 11 Noni Madueke |
News From The Gram
Real Madrid Ariving Scenarios
Chelsea Goal Scenes
Prematch Scenarios
Conclusion
Real Madrid’s preseason tour in the U.S. ended on a high note with a victory over Chelsea. The match highlighted Madrid’s depth and tactical prowess, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. As both teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters.
