Football News: Chelsea Salvage Late Draw in Pre-Season Friendly Against Inter
In their final warm-up match before the start of the 2023-24 Premier League season, Chelsea managed to secure a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Italian giants Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Blues dominated possession throughout the encounter but struggled to convert their chances into goals, a recurring problem from the previous campaign. It was Inter who took the lead in the 26th minute through a powerful strike from Marcus Thuram, taking advantage of some slack defending from the home side.
Chelsea continued to push for an equalizer in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the dying moments of the game. Substitute Lesley Ugochukwu found the back of the net with a composed finish after the ball had fallen kindly for him in the box, saving the Blues from another pre-season setback.
“The result will provide some relief for Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose side faces a daunting opening fixture against reigning champions Manchester City next weekend.”
The Londoners will be hoping to address their issues in front of goal ahead of the highly anticipated Premier League curtain-raiser.
Despite the late draw, Chelsea’s pre-season preparations have been far from ideal, with the team struggling to find consistency and efficiency in their attacking play. The upcoming clash with Pep Guardiola’s City will be a true test of the Blues’ readiness for the new campaign.
Fans will be eager to see the team hit the ground running in the Premier League, as Chelsea aim to mount a serious challenge for the title and secure a place in the UEFA Champions League for the 2024-25 season. The draw with Inter may have provided a glimmer of hope, but the true test lies ahead in the opening weeks of the new season.
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