Chelsea have earned a morale-boosting win over European champions Barcelona following a penalty shootout triumph in the International Champions Cup on Wednesday.
Barcelona looked to be heading towards a win after Luis Suarez and Sandro cancelled out Eden Hazard’s brilliant opener during the second half of the clash at the FedEx Field.
However, Gary Cahill levelled proceedings in the closing stages with a close-range header that forced the England defender from the field due to a bloodied nose.
Barcelona youngster Alen Halilovic was left red-faced after his attempted Panenka hit the crossbar in the penalty shootout, with fringe Chelsea attacker Loic Remy scoring the winning spot kick.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho named a strong side for the clash, with Kurt Zouma and Kenedy the only non-regular starters to be selected in the Blues’ starting XI.
Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Sergio Busquets started for the Catalan giants, while Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and Pedro were among the substitutes as Luis Enrique selected a youthful side.
The Blues started the game the stronger of the two sides, and Kurt Zouma almost put his side ahead after his header narrowly missed after just three minutes.
Chelsea got the lead it deserved after Eden Hazard weaved his way through the Barcelona defence and finished coolly past Andre ter Stegen to put the Premier League champions ahead.
Luis Suarez battled hard and he was rewarded six minutes after the break after chipping Thibaut Courtois following a poor clearance by Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta.
Barcelona then dominated proceedings and hit the lead after Sandro cut inside Branislav Ivanovic and sent an unstoppable curling shot past Courtois.
Cahill’s equaliser sent the game to penalties, and Courtois was the hero after making an excellent save on Gerard Pique, leaving Remy to score the winner.
Check out Hazard’s stunning goal below:
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