Chelsea pulled off an impressive pre-season victory, as they beat Spanish champions Barcelona 2-1 at the Saitama Stadium in Tokyo.
It was Barca's first match since returning from their summer holidays and despite a bright start, their lack of match sharpness gradually shone through against a Chelsea side who were playing their third match of pre-season.
Full-time: Chelsea 2-1 Barcelona!
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 23, 2019
Goals from @tammyabraham and @RBarkley8 secure the win in our final game in Japan! #CFCinJapan pic.twitter.com/BD0JdfmUPs
Barcelona started with intent and nearly took an early lead when Antoine Griezmann's flick-on found Oriol Busquets, but the Spaniard couldn't direct his free header on target. Chelsea slowly grew into the game and took the lead on 34 minutes.
After missing a sitter from six yards, Tammy Abraham made amends to give the Blues the lead, courtesy of an uncharacteristic error from Sergio Busquets. Jorginho deflected the midfielder's pass into the path of Abraham and he calmly rounded the keeper to give Chelsea a 1-0 half-time lead.
It was all change for the second half, as the Blaugrana substituted their entire team, while Chelsea made changes gradually throughout the second period. The fluidity of the game suffered as a result as neither side were able to force clear-cut chances. However, with ten minutes to go, Ross Barkley found space on the edge of the box and curled in the Blues' second goal of the game.
Ivan Rakitic pulled a goal back in injury time with a brilliant long-range effort, but it did not take the shine off what was an excellent outing for Chelsea.
Barcelona
Key Talking Point
Antoine Griezmann and Frenkie de Jong made their debuts for the Blaugrana today and while it wasn't the dream start they would have hoped for, both players will no doubt be pleased with the way they performed. All eyes were on the duo as they featured in Barca colours for the first time following big money moves from Atletico Madrid and Ajax respectively this summer.
Fans will have been encouraged by what they saw, as Griezmann linked up very well with his forward partners and was unlucky not to make a more valuable contribution to the game. Elsewhere, De Jong passed the ball well in midfield as he and his Barca team mates were focussed mainly on getting match fitness ahead of the new season.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Ter Stegen (5); Roberto (5), Pique (6), Umtiti (6), Alba (6); O. Busquets (5), Puig (7), S. Busquets (5); Griezmann (7*), Dembele (6), Collado (6).
Substitutes: Semedo (6), Rakitic (7), Todibo (6), Perez (7), Alcantara (6), Neto (5), Malcolm (6), Lenglet (6), Alena (6), De Jong (7), Jaime (6)/
Star Player
Antoine Griezmann was the one shining light in a fairly uninspiring Barcelona performance. The Frenchman nearly got off to a perfect start with a wonderful flicked header onto Busquets, but his attempt to turn the ball in went harmlessly over the bar.
Blaugrana really suits you, @AntoGriezmann!#RakutenCup pic.twitter.com/O27O12WUka
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2019
Griezmann is worth more than 120 million tbh. We robbed Atleti dawg. World class jugador
— Julian (@ElaficionadoFC) July 23, 2019
Griezmann continued to impress with his quick feet and precise passing. He shone in a front line which was missing Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi, who are both on extended breaks following their Copa America exploits.
The Frenchman certainly gave fans a glimpse of what he can offer and his contribution in the rest of pre-season will only continue to grow.
Chelsea
Key Talking Point
In their first real test under Frank Lampard, Chelsea fans will have been delighted by how their side performed. In particular, they will be impressed by big performances put in by Christian Pulisic, Jorginho, Matteo Kovacic and Abraham - all of whom were out to prove they have what it takes to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
Many are pointing to Lampard's ability to get the best of these stars who, Pulisic and Abraham aside, failed to make much of an impression last season under Maurizio Sarri. While it's still early days, there were encouraging signs for this Blues team, who are less than three weeks away from the start of their Premier League opener against Manchester United.
Player Ratings
Starting XI: Arrizabalaga (6); Azpilicueta (6), Luiz (7), Christensen (6), Emerson (6); Jorginho (7), Kovacic (6), Mount (6); Pedro (5), Pulisic (8*), Abraham (7).
Substitutes: Alonso (7), Zouma (6), Tomori (6), Barkley (6), Kenedy (5), Giroud (7), Bakayoko (6), Zappacosta (6), Batshuayi (5), Drinkwater (6).
Star Player
In his first start for Chelsea, Christian Pulisic was the standout performer, as he provided a constant threat to the opposition goal. Even when the Blues found themselves under pressure, Pulisic was a brilliant outlet for his side and was the main creative influence in attack.
Pulisic shows off his blistering pace as he races away down the left flank, he tries his luck on goal from a tight angle, but it smashes the side netting.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 23, 2019
That pace... ⚡️
1-0 [44'] #CFCinJapan pic.twitter.com/AP32XUveHl
Pulisic been very good so far. Finishing never been his best attribute but he’s creating plenty of opportunities.
— (@PuIisinho) July 23, 2019
Pulisic pace will be a big threat to premier league clubs this season
— Raia the disloyal (@Soy_Moose) July 23, 2019
The USA international inspired a number of offensive moves and even came close to getting himself on the scoresheet on a couple of occasions. His performance will no doubt be of great delight to Lampard, who is unable to make any new signings of his own for the next two transfer windows.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona are back on home soil in their next friendly fixture, as they take on Japanese side Vissel Kobe at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea will be pleased to have a somewhat less difficult game next up, as they face Championship side Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
Source : 90min