{"id":1763,"date":"2024-08-07T15:39:33","date_gmt":"2024-08-07T10:09:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hoverstud.io\/?p=1763"},"modified":"2024-08-07T15:39:52","modified_gmt":"2024-08-07T10:09:52","slug":"real-madrid-vs-chelsea-ceballos-and-diaz-shine-as-madrid-edges-past-blues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hoverstud.io\/real-madrid-vs-chelsea-ceballos-and-diaz-shine-as-madrid-edges-past-blues\/","title":{"rendered":"Real Madrid vs Chelsea: Ceballos and Diaz Shine as Madrid Edges Past Blues"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a thrilling pre-season encounter at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Real Madrid<\/strong><\/a> managed to edge out Chelsea with a 2-1 victory, thanks to first-half goals from Dani Ceballos and Brahim Diaz. The match, which concluded Chelsea\u2019s United States tour, highlighted both the promise and the persistent defensive concerns that the Blues must address before the Premier League season kicks off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Madrid\u2019s Early Dominance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The game started with Real Madrid showcasing why they remain one of the top footballing giants, even when playing without several of their star players. Dani Ceballos opened the scoring in the 19th minute, following up on a deflected shot from Lucas Vazquez. Ceballos, always the opportunist, pounced on the loose ball and slotted it past Chelsea\u2019s new goalkeeper, Filip Jorgensen, who had a challenging night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just eight minutes later, Brahim Diaz doubled Madrid\u2019s lead, taking advantage of some slack defending from Chelsea. Diaz skillfully rounded Jorgensen before finishing from a tight angle, demonstrating composure and clinical precision. The goal put Chelsea on the back foot and highlighted the defensive frailties that have plagued them throughout their pre-season tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chelsea\u2019s Struggles Continue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Despite Chelsea pulling one back in the 39th minute through Noni Madueke, who headed in a well-placed cross from Enzo Fernandez, the team\u2019s overall performance raised concerns. Chelsea\u2019s manager, Enzo Maresca, has been vocal about his frustration with the team\u2019s defensive lapses, which have seen them concede 12 goals in five pre-season matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maresca, who took over from Mauricio Pochettino, is trying to implement a new system and style of play, but the results so far have been mixed. The defensive line\u2019s tendency to push too high up the pitch has left them vulnerable to counter-attacks, a habit that Maresca is desperately trying to correct before the Premier League season begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Defensive Dilemma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Maresca\u2019s post-match comments shed light on the ongoing issues within the squad. He mentioned that the defensive line\u2019s high positioning was a habit carried over from last season, and it\u2019s something he has been addressing with his players. \u201cWe are trying to drop the defensive line a little bit, usually about four or five meters, just to have some advantage,\u201d Maresca explained. \u201cLast year, we already conceded many goals with this problem. Hopefully, we can solve it very soon.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Italian manager emphasized that the defensive problems are not solely due to the backline but are a team-wide issue. The lack of pressing intensity and allowing quality opposition like Real Madrid time on the ball has proven costly, and Maresca knows that these issues must be ironed out quickly, especially with Manchester City looming in their Premier League opener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vinicius Jr: Madrid\u2019s Bright Spark<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the other side of the pitch, Real Madrid\u2019s Vinicius Jr was a standout performer. Despite the absence of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, who are expected to join the squad soon, Vinicius provided a glimpse of what Madrid fans can expect this season. His pace, dribbling, and ability to create chances were on full display, reminding everyone why he remains one of the most exciting attackers in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vinicius\u2019 performance was not just about flair; his work rate and pressing were crucial in keeping Chelsea\u2019s defense on their toes. Even with the expected arrival of big-name players like Mbappe, Vinicius is set to play a key role in Madrid\u2019s attacking lineup, possibly contending for individual honors this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chelsea\u2019s Attacking Concerns<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While Chelsea\u2019s defensive woes were evident, their attacking options also raised eyebrows. The absence of Romelu Lukaku and Armando Broja, coupled with the fact that new signing Nicolas Jackson only recently joined the squad, left Chelsea looking short of firepower upfront. Marc Guiu, the 18-year-old striker signed from Barcelona, had shown promise in earlier matches but struggled against the high-caliber defense of Real Madrid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Christopher Nkunku, who played up front towards the end of the match, showed glimpses of his quality but was unable to convert the chances that came his way. With the Premier League just around the corner, Chelsea\u2019s search for a reliable striker continues, with links to Atletico Madrid\u2019s Samu Omorodion and Napoli\u2019s Victor Osimhen still alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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