Real Madrid‘s Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Chelsea: Player Ratings & Analysis

Real Madrid secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Chelsea in their preseason U.S. tour match, showcasing impressive performances from several players. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the game, focusing on player ratings and key moments that influenced the outcome.

Player Ratings

Real Madrid:
David Alaba – 8.5: The Austrian defender was outstanding, providing crucial defensive interventions and contributing to the attack with his pace and vision. His goal in the first half set the tone for the match.
Thibaut Courtois – 7.5: The Belgian goalkeeper made several key saves, particularly in the second half, to maintain Real Madrid‘s lead. His distribution was also impressive, often finding his defenders with long kicks.
Aurélien Tchouaméni – 8: The young French midfielder was a revelation, controlling the tempo of the game with his passing range and vision. He also provided defensive cover when needed.
Chelsea:
Christian Pulisic – 7: The American winger was Chelsea‘s most dangerous player, causing problems for Real Madrid‘s defense with his speed and agility. He scored Chelsea‘s only goal with a stunning strike.
Édouard Mendy – 6.5: The Senegalese goalkeeper made a few crucial saves but was beaten by Alaba’s powerful strike in the first half. His distribution was inconsistent, leading to some nervy moments for Chelsea‘s defense.

Key Moments

The game started with both teams feeling each other out, but it was Real Madrid who took the initiative. In the 15th minute, David Alaba scored the opening goal with a powerful strike from outside the box, giving Real Madrid a 1-0 lead. Chelsea responded well, creating several chances, but Thibaut Courtois was equal to the task, making some impressive saves to keep Real Madrid ahead.

In the second half, Chelsea continued to push for an equalizer, but Real Madrid‘s defense held firm. In the 65th minute, Aurélien Tchouaméni doubled Real Madrid‘s lead with a beautifully placed shot from the edge of the box. Chelsea pulled one back through Christian Pulisic‘s stunning strike in the 80th minute, but it was too little, too late, as Real Madrid held on for a 2-1 victory.

Analysis

Real Madrid‘s victory was largely due to their solid defensive performance and the impressive displays of David Alaba and Aurélien Tchouaméni. The duo provided a strong foundation for Real Madrid, with Alaba’s goal and Tchouaméni’s control of the midfield proving decisive. Chelsea, on the other hand, struggled to find consistency in their attack, despite Christian Pulisic‘s best efforts.

The match highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. Real Madrid‘s defense, which has been a concern in recent seasons, looked more solid with the addition of David Alaba. However, Chelsea‘s attack, which was expected to be their strong suit, failed to deliver, with many of their key players underperforming.

Conclusion

Real Madrid‘s 2-1 victory over Chelsea was an impressive display of their defensive capabilities and the potential of their new signings. While Chelsea struggled to find their rhythm, Real Madrid looked more cohesive and determined, ultimately securing a well-deserved win. As both teams continue their preseason tours, they will look to build on this performance and address their respective weaknesses.

BBC Sport: Real Madrid 2-1 Chelsea: David Alaba and Aurélien Tchouaméni score in US friendly