PASADENA, Calif. -- Liverpool suffered their first loss of preseason
as they were beaten 1-0 by 10-man Chelsea at the Rose Bowl in the
International Champions Cup.
Jurgen Klopp's side came into the
game having won their previous four friendlies this summer, but Gary
Cahill's goal early in the first half condemned the Reds to a
disappointing result in Pasadena, despite the Blues having Cesc Fabregas
sent off.
Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Christian Benteke
did not travel to Southern California and stayed at the team's hub in
Palo Alto, so Klopp continued with the front three of Philippe Coutinho,
Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, as well as handing Ragnar Klavan a
debut in the heart of the defence.
Chelsea, meanwhile, fielded a strong side, with Fabregas, Willian, Nemanja Matic and Cesar Azpilicueta among the starters.
The
game started slowly. Both teams were very organised and disciplined in
their shape and it was no surprise that the opening goal came from a set
piece. Cahill rose highest from Victor Moses' corner as Liverpool
conceded their first goal of the preseason.
The game remained
tight, but the Reds began to grow into the contest. Coutinho went close
to levelling but his free kick was well saved by Asmir Begovic. Firmino
then put the ball in the back of the net after a sensational back-heel
pass from youngster Ovie Ejaria, only for the linesman to correctly rule
the Brazilian offside.
Liverpool made a host of changes in the
second half, most notably with captain Jordan Henderson returning to
club action, having been given extended rest following Euro 2016.
Chelsea
made some significant changes in the 67th minute, with summer signing
Michy Batshuayi, the returning Juan Cuadrado and Pedro all introduced.
The
match was feisty for a friendly, with the referee issuing six yellow
cards, and Fabregas was deservedly sent off for a late lunge on Klavan
in the 70th minute.
However, Klopp's men could not find a way past
the 10 men as Antonio Conte's side built on their 3-0 win over RZ
Pellets WAC to secure a second win in three games since taking charge.
Credit- ESPN
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