Substitute Eden Hazard pulled two goals back for the Blues in the second period but they left it too late to complete a comeback.
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The Spanish striker is the one player to have been signed by Madrid this summer, when the club activated a buy-back clause from Juventus, but his future for the coming season remains uncertain.
Whereas Conte’s weak links looked like headless chickens at times, it was hard to pick one in the Real lineup, with 22-year-old Mariano taking full advantage of the opportunity afforded to him.
Conte’s side struggled to settle into their 4-2-4 formation as Madrid made their quality count, but the Blues improved after the break with Hazard netting twice in the last 12 minutes. Madrid, meanwhile, will reportedly hand first minutes of preseason to captain Sergio Ramos as well as Luka Modric and James Rodriguez.
While Madrid boast three-time Ballon d’Or victor and Euro 2016 champion Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale, Zidane was asked specifically about talented midfielder Marco Asensio.
Starting from the first period, Chelsea were way worse than many would have expected, conceding three goals in very quick succession.
“Ultimately what we were looking for was to start strong and overall we were satisfied with how the team played”, said Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane. Branislav Ivanovic has travelled, as has Kurt Zouma, though both will be limited as they recover from short-term and long-term injuries, respectively. The duo in midfield will likely be new boy Kante and Cesc Fabregas.
Madrid dominated the first half, helped by Conte deciding to play Begovic instead of Courtois and giving 19 year right back Ola Aina an opportunity, which he won’t remember fondly as Marcelo, Asensio and Lucas Vázquez gave him a torrid time.
Good effort from Traoré and all the Chelsea subs. In pre-season friendlies, getting fit is more important than results.
“I’m happy with the players I’ve got”.
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Chelsea are a little further along in their preparations for the new campaign.
