Real Madrid’s superior first half display saw them edge out Chelsea 3-2 in the International Champions Cup.
It was a spirited display by Real Madrid as they beat Chelsea by a 3-2 scoreline in the International Champions Cup. Brazilian full-back Marcelo managed to score two goals for the Spanish giants while youngster Mariano Diaz scored the third. For the Londoners, substitute Eden Hazard netted a brace late into the second half, but it proved to be too little too late as Zinedine Zidane’s men held on to their slender advantage.
The Hard Tackle analyses the 22 starters on the day:
Kiko Casilla: 4
Could have done a lot more to avoid conceding both the goals. Not a good outing for the reserve keeper.
Dani Carvajal: 6
The Spanish full-back was decent going forward, but was given a hard time by Hazard in the second half.
Raphael Varane: 6
Returning from injury, the Frenchman put in a good show at the back.
Nacho: 7
Proved to be a more than able partner for Varane, looked strong for most of the game.
Marcelo: 9.5
It often felt that the Brazilian was playing as a left-winger. The defender kept attacking and scored two early goals
Casemiro: 6.5
Was the hard man he is known to be at the heart of midfield.
Niko Kovacic: 7
The Croatian was solid on the day and was unlucky not to have found the net.
Lucas Vazquez: 7
Was energetic and tireless throughout the game
Asensio: 8
When given the opportunity, the youngster did what was expected of him.
Mariano Diaz: 8.5
Scored an absolute gem of a goal. Apart from that he led the lines well with Morata
Alvaro Morata: 6
After the prolonged speculation about his club future, the Real Madrid man put up a decent show in front of goal. However, a few goal-scoring opportunities were scuffed by the Spaniard.
Chelsea
Asmer Begovic: 4
Conceded thrice and did little to prove why he should be considered as the number one.
Ola Aina: 5
Faced another reality check and for the second game in a row, the young full-back let the occasion get the better of him.
Gary Cahill: 5
Was shaky with the ball on a numerous occasions and needlessly slowed down the play.
John Terry: 6
Did a decent job despite his partner’s frailties. However, was occasionally caught off the pace by Diaz.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 5.5
An average performance from the left-back. He needs to provide a little more going forward if he is to fit into Antonio Conte’s system.
Nemanja Matic: 5
Saw Casemiro get the better of him time and again. The Serbian is in real danger of losing out to new signing N’Golo Kante
Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 5
An off-day for the youngster, who many thought would turn things around for the side.
Oscar: 5
His lack of physicality was exposed by the Real Madrid midfielders.
Willian: 5
The Brazilian showed a bit of magic every now and then, but failed to do anything for his side.
Pedro: 4
Was arguably the worst performer on the day. Offered very little support to the attackers and did absolutely nothing to create something for himself.
Bertrand Traore: 6
Looked sharp, but failed to score due to the lack of creativity around him.
Eden Hazard (Top Sub): 8
The Belgian’s influence was evident as he turned the game around for his side by grabbing two goals.