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.
-espnfc