- Goals from Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz gave Real Madrid the upper hand in Charlotte
- Just before half-time, Noni Madueke scored to reduce the gap for Enzo Maresca’s team
Chelsea’s pre-season journey in the U.S. concluded with a 2-1 loss against Real Madrid in Charlotte, North Carolina.
With goals from Brahim Diaz and Lucas Vazquez, the Champions League victors took control early on. Noni Madueke managed to score just before half-time to bring Chelsea closer but ultimately, Enzo Maresca’s team was unable to secure a draw.
Mail Sport’s Kieran Gill covered the match in North Carolina, and you can check out his player ratings below.

Noni Madueke’s goal could not save Chelsea from a 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid

Brahim Diaz and Lucas Vazquez scored to secure a win for the Spanish giants
CHELSEA (4-2-3-1)
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Making his first start for Chelsea, Jorgensen faced significant threats from Real Madrid’s offense, which kept him busy.
Reece James – 5
Despite a penalty scare while defending against Vinicius Junior, James struggled in one-on-one situations.
Benoit Badiashile – 5
Had a tough time dealing with Real’s fast attackers, often having to chase back against their counterattacks.
Levi Colwill – 5
Colwill made several errors, including a slow response during Real’s first goal, which exposed Chelsea’s backline.

Levi Colwill struggled in Chelsea’s defense against Real Madrid
Malo Gusto – 6
Sustained some minor injuries but managed to play on, contributing well to the attack with a notable pass.
Romeo Lavia – 6
Displayed good composure as a deep playmaker, having participated in all five Chelsea friendlies following his injury return.
Enzo Fernandez – 6.5
Delivered a crucial cross leading to Madueke’s goal and took over captain duties after James was substituted.

Enzo Fernandez took the captain’s armband after Reece James’ substitution
Noni Madueke – 7
Fought through a tough challenge to score off Fernandez’s cross, pulling Chelsea closer at 2-1.
Christopher Nkunku – 6.5
Exited the tour injury-free, putting in consistent performances with a near equalizer shortly after the break.
Raheem Sterling – 5
Created multiple scoring opportunities but failed to convert any, missing a key pass opportunity through the six-yard box.

Christopher Nkunku was a consistent threat throughout the match
Marc Guiu – 6
Caused some frustration by slowing down a promising move with a backwards pass but improved his involvement as the match progressed.
SUBS
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sterling, 58) – 6
Made an impressive run the length of the pitch but squandered the finishing chance.
Moises Caicedo (for Lavia, 58) – 6
Showed tenacity even in a friendly, pairing with Fernandez upon entering the match.

Enzo Maresca is determined to ensure Chelsea is ready for the Premier League season
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (for Marc Guiu, 66) – 6
His familiarity with Maresca’s system made him a valuable asset on the pitch.
Wesley Fofana (for James, 70) – 6
Took over the right back position for the last 20 minutes as a replacement for James.
MANAGER
Enzo Maresca – 6
Although the team lost their final friendly on the U.S. tour, progress is noted and Maresca is optimistic about their readiness for the new Premier League season.