Internazionale Milan beat Chelsea despite absurd Geoffrey Kondogbia own goal
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ByEurosport
Updated 29/07/2017 at 16:02 GMT
International Champions Cup, National Stadium, Singapore – Chelsea 1 (Kondogbia OG 74) Inter 2 (Jovetic 45’+3, Perisic 53)
Mauro Icardi ( 2nd from left ) and Miranda of FC Internazionale leads his team-mates to celebrate with the Champions Trophy after they defeated Chelsea FC 2-1 during the International Champions Cup match between FC Internazionale and Chelsea FC at Nationa
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Chelsea were beaten 2-1 by Inter Milan in the International Champions Cup in Singapore, despite being given a route back into the game thanks to a bizarre own goal from Geoffrey Kondogbia.
Inter opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time in dubious circumstances as Cesar Azpilicueta appeared to make an excellent tackle on Stevan Jovetic in the box, but the referee bizarrely pointed to the penalty spot. Thibaut Courtois saved the spot-kick, but Jovetic pounced on the rebound to give his side the lead.
Chelsea conceded three times in a dismal first-half performance against Bayern Munich, and Antonio Conte’s side again looked weak in defence. They couldn’t cope with the pace of Ivan Perisic and it was the Manchester United-target who doubled the advantage as he finished a classic counter-attack move.
But the moment of the match came in the 74th-minute when Kondogbia looked to pass back to his goalkeeper from midway inside his own half, only to spectacular lob Daniele Padelli with an inch-perfect ‘shot’ that nestled in the back of the net.
Buoyed by the remarkable own goal Chelsea pushed hard for an equaliser, but Inter held on for the win.
TALKING POINTS
- Alvaro Morata started: The Spaniard started his first game for the Blues following his £60m move from Real Madrid and he looked lively throughout, even if he was played on the wing.
- Chelsea paid the penalty: Cesar Azpilicueta can count himself extremely unfortunate to have conceded the spot-kick from which Inter opened the scoring from. The Blues defender made a perfectly timed challenge on Jovetic, and the referee got it badly wrong. It wasn’t the referee’s only mistake, however - Michy Batshuayi scored late on but the ‘goal’ was ruled out for offside, despite replays appearing to show he was being played on.
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Perisic - Chelsea-Inter - International Champions Cup 2017 - Getty Images
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- Ivan Perisic starred, again: Any wonder Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is such an admirer of the Inter livewire. His speed, movement and direct running caused chaos in the Chelsea half, and the Croatian grabbed the goal his performance deserved. Inter will do well to keep a hold of the 28-year-old.
- THAT own-goal: Friendly or not, poor Geoffrey Kondogbia will never be allowed to forget about this one. It will be replayed on the blooper reels for years to come.
- Chelsea’s vulnerable defence: The Blues have now conceded five times in two pre-season friendlies and it could have been many more. It may count for little at this stage of the season, but it’s an issue Antonio Conte will need to address before the start of the season.
WHERE NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Having lost to Bayern Munich and Inter in Asia, Chelsea will now return to England in preparation for their Community Shield against Arsenal on August 6. Antonio Conte’s side beat the Gunners convincingly in the opening pre-season game, but they have been far from convincing since.
KEY MOMENTS
2’ - CHANCE FOR INTER! Lacklustre defending from David Luis as he allows Antonio Candreva in behind! The Inter forward sees his shot saved and Chelsea scramble the danger away.
28’ - PENALTY APPEAL! The ball is swung into the Inter penalty area where David Luis meets it! However, the ball appears to strike the arm of Jovetic and out of play. The referee signals for the corner, much to the frustration of the Chelsea players.
45’+1 - PENALTY TO INTER! Azpilicueta is adjudged to have fouled Jovetic in the box, and the referee points to the spot! It looks extremely soft on first glance...
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Stevan Jovetic #8 of FC Interernazionale celebrates during the International Champions Cup match between FC Internazionale and Chelsea FC at National Stadium on July 29, 2017 in Singapore. (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images f
Image credit: Getty Images
45’+3 - GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Inter. Courtois saves from Jovetic's penalty, but the Inter forward is first to react and taps the rebound into the net.
53’ – GOAL! Chelsea 0-2 Inter. The Italians have done well to absorb the Blues' pressure, and now they strike to double their advantage. It's a classic counter-attacking goal, finished by the remarkable Ivan Perisic. He was released on the left channel by Jovetic, and he was allowed to surge into the penalty area before firing beyond Courtois into the bottom corner.
74’ – OWN GOAL! Chelsea 1-2 Inter. Oh my, this is the most bizarre own-goal you will EVER see! Geoffrey Kondogbia has just lobbed his own goalkeeper from 45 yards and Chelsea have one back. Absolutely outrageous finish, into his own net!
86’ – GOAL RULED OUT! Batshuayi slides the ball into the back of the net, but the linesman had his flag raised! The replay suggests the Chelsea forward was onside, however.
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