Real Madrid edged out Chelsea with a 2-1 victory, while AC Milan overcame Barcelona in a nail-biting penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw. The matches, held on Tuesday, showcased the intense preparations of these top European clubs ahead of the new season.
The Real Madrid versus Chelsea clash took place at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. The stadium was filled with 62,617 spectators who witnessed a compelling contest as both sides geared up for their upcoming campaigns. For Real Madrid, the match was particularly notable as it marked the first start of Vinicius Junior in their pre-season fixtures. With La Liga’s opening match just 12 days away, the game was a crucial test for the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid quickly demonstrated their attacking prowess. Spanish midfielder Dani Ceballos opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a well-placed right-footed shot into the bottom left corner. His goal set the tone for the remainder of the match. Real Madrid’s lead was further extended in the 27th minute when Brahim Diaz fired a left-footed shot from a tight angle, slipping the ball across the empty goal and into the far right side of the net. The precision of Diaz’s strike showcased his sharpness and readiness for the season.
Chelsea’s response came before the end of the first half. English striker Noni Madueke provided a lifeline for the Blues in the 39th minute with a header from the right side of the six-yard box. Madueke’s goal momentarily revived Chelsea’s hopes, but despite their best efforts, the team could not break through Real Madrid’s defense again. The Spanish side held firm, securing a 2-1 victory and highlighting their readiness for the competitive season ahead.
In a high-profile encounter in Baltimore, AC Milan faced Barcelona in a match that lived up to its billing. The Italian side started strong, with Luka Jovic finding the net in the 10th minute, thanks to an assist from Christian Pulisic. Pulisic then got on the score sheet himself, delivering a powerful shot from a challenging angle in the 15th minute that found the top right corner of the goal. AC Milan’s early 2-0 lead put them in a favorable position.
Barcelona, however, displayed resilience and fought back. Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s star forward, scored twice to level the match. His first goal came in the 22nd minute, and he completed the comeback with another goal in the 58th minute, bringing the score to 2-2. The match was now poised for a dramatic conclusion.
The game was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout. The shootout was a tense affair, but AC Milan showed composure and clinical finishing to secure a 4-3 victory on penalties. This win was a testament to AC Milan’s ability to handle pressure and their preparedness for the challenges of the new season.
Both matches provided valuable insights into the form and readiness of these elite clubs. Real Madrid’s narrow victory over Chelsea showcased their attacking efficiency and defensive resilience, while AC Milan’s win over Barcelona in the penalty shootout highlighted their tenacity and tactical acumen. As these teams head into the new season, their pre-season performances have set a high bar, offering a glimpse into their potential successes and challenges ahead.
