Bayern too strong for Chelsea

SHARE THIS POST

Alvaro Morata made his first Chelsea appearance against
Bayern Munich
Alvaro Morata made his first appearance for
Chelsea as they continued their pre-season
preparations with a 3-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in
the International Champions Cup on Tuesday.
Bayern raced into a three-goal lead in Singapore,
opening the scoring through Rafinha's long-range
strike after only six minutes.
That advantage was soon doubled by Thomas
Muller's volley and Bayern's captain further
increased their advantage with a wonderful solo
effort just before the half-hour mark.
However, the Blues responded through Marcos
Alonso's thumping drive in first-half stoppage
time, although Michy Batshuayi's 85th-minute goal
proved too little, too late.
Bayern made a fast start to the contest, clearly
stung by the drubbing they suffered at the hands
of AC Milan in their last outing in the tournament.
Team news
Chelsea made two changes from the weekend win
over Arsenal, with Andreas Christensen replacing
David Luiz at the heart of their back four and Jeremie
Boga continuing to cover for the injured Pedro in
attack. Bayern, meanwhile, made four alterations
from the side that were easily beaten by AC Milan.
Carlo Ancelotti's team were soon in front when
Rafinha picked up possession of the ball some 30
yards out, before the Brazil international strode
forward and beat Thibaut Courtois with a low shot
into the corner of the net.
Before the Blues could catch their breath, Bayern
had doubled their lead as James Rodriguez -
starting out wide on the right - picked out Franck
Ribery on the opposite flank.
The winger's quick feet then saw him get free to
the byline, and his inch-perfect chip to the far post
was volleyed home by the unmarked Muller.
Thomas Muller scored twice for Bayern
The rejuvenated Muller scored his second after 27
minutes, starting a run inside his own half before
beating the helpless Courtois with a curling effort
from just outside the area.
After a pre-arranged water break, Conte made a
tactical tweak and got his players to take a more
direct approach with positive consequences as his
side began to gain a foothold in proceedings.
However, the goal that got the Blues back into the
contest owed nothing to that and everything to a
lovely move involving Willian, whose clever
dummy released Victor Moses down the right
wing.
And when the wing back's pull back reached
Alonso on the opposite wing, the Spaniard
launched an unstoppable drive into the top right-
hand corner of the net.
The second half was predictably interrupted by a
succession of substitutions, one of which saw the
introduction of Chelsea's new £70m signing
Morata.
But given just 27 minutes to impress, the Spaniard
was unable to make the dream debut, although
Batshuayi continued his impressive pre-season
form by scoring a late consolation for Chelsea.
Man of the Match: Franck Ribery
The diminutive winger was back to his best in the
heat and humidity of Singapore, reminding
everyone of his vast array of skills.
In particular, the Frenchman's close control and
dazzling feet in the lead-up to Bayern's second
goal were a joy to watch.
What next?
Chelsea face Serie A side Inter Milan in the
International Champions Cup at same the National
Stadium on Thursday, with the game again getting
underway in Singapore at 12.35pm.
And on Sunday, August 6 the Blues get their
season underway when they take on FA Cup
winners Arsenal in the Community Shield at
Wembley.