Rounding off their respective U.S. tours, Real Madrid faced Chelsea at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and we completed our hat-trick of Los Blancos matches for our ‘Framed’ series.
We’ve been accompanying Real Madrid on their preseason tour in the States, and as part of that we’ve taken in their matches against AC Milan and Barcelona. And now we wrap up our time with the La Liga outfit by capturing the final match of their preseason tour of the United States, which was against Premier League side, Chelsea. Once again, American fans were out in force, with 62,617 fans filling out the Bank of America Stadium and welcoming the European giants.
Real Madrid's XI included two former Blues in Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rudiger, with another, double-winning Carlo Ancelotti, as the head coach. Chelsea were in their wavy new home shirt, while Real Madrid opted for their away shirt, which featured a special name and number set, which was designed by Puerto Rican born, Chicago-based artist JC Rivera. The initiative is part of the adidas ‘artist pack’ collection and raises the profile of social and sporting projects involving vulnerable groups.
As for the action, a scrappy opening to the game was typified by the opening goal, with a deflected shot from Lucas Vázquez being forced over the line by Dani Ceballos. Whose goal was it? Who really cares in preseason. Madrid one up in 20 minutes.
The second Madrid goal was a lot more classy from Brahim, who latched onto a through ball, rounded the keeper and slotted home from a tight angle. In between those two goals, Noni Madueke’s header just before the break had given the Blues hope but they were unable capitalise and it was the defending Champions League champions that took the win. Next up, Real Madrid will face Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, while Chelsea will face Italian giants Inter Milan on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.
Photography by Sharon Lopez for SoccerBible.
