New Delhi: As the football world gears up for the new season, pre-season friendlies offer a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come. The friendly matches provide teams with an opportunity to fine-tune their tactics, integrate new signings, and build team chemistry. The pre-season friendlies continued across the globe here’s a rundown of the most recent matches and what went down as the 2024/25 season inches closer.
Manchester United vs Real Betis
Casemiro of Manchester United celebrates scoring their third goal during a pre-season friendly match between Manchester United v Real Betis at Snapdragon Stadium on July 31, 2024 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United triumphed over Real Betis with a 3-2 victory, despite a pre-match mood dampened by injuries to Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro. Real Betis’s Iker Losada opened the scoring in the 15th minute, but the Red Devils quickly responded with Marcus Rashford equalizing from the penalty spot just three minutes later.
Within six minutes, Amad Diallo found the back of the net putting United in the lead. The momentum continued when Casemiro added another goal in the 31st minute, making it 3-1.
In the second half, Real Betis came out strong with Diego Llorente cutting the deficit by scoring in the 61st minute. However, United held firm, denying Betis’s late push and securing the victory. The only potential negative aspect of the Red Devils’ evening could be a late injury issue for Antony.
Next up for Manchester United is a friendly showdown with Liverpool while Real Bentis will take on Al-Ittihad on Aug 4.
Chelsea vs Club America
Chelsea FC forward Christopher Nkunku (18) takes a penalty kick during the friendly between Chelsea FC and Club America on July 31st, 2024 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Chelsea secured their first preseason win under new head coach Enzo Maresca, delivering a convincing 3-0 victory over Club América. After a loss to Celtic last week, the Blues responded strongly. They took an early lead with Christopher Nkunku’s penalty just minutes into the game. They took a comfortable lead in the first half with another goal coming from a newcomer Marc Guiu in the 21st minute.
The second-half highlight was the debut of the newly signed keeper Filip Jorgensen who came from La Liga club Villarreal. Meanwhile, Club America in order to gain early momentum made 11 changes in the break.
The icing on the cake came in the form of Nooni Madueke’s penalty in the 79th minute. Chelsea capped off a super showdown against the Mexican giants.
Chelsea will next take on rivals Manchester City on Aug 4 while Club America will lock horns with Aston Villa on the same day.
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Fabio Carvalho of Liverpool celebrating during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Lincoln Financial Field on July 31, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
In a star-studded friendly showdown, Liverpool edged out Arsenal with a 2-1 victory. Liverpool Mo Salah gave them an early lead by scoring in the 15th minute making the full house in Philadelphia go wild. He was followed up by Fabio Carvaho who scored in the 34th minute bringing the Philly crowd to their feet once again.
After some lovely play to make in the second half a deflected pass found its way to Arsenal’s Kai Havertz who found the back of the net to cut the lead. Despite Arsenal’s efforts, Liverpool held on to secure the win.
Next, Liverpool will face Manchester United in another friendly on August 4, while Arsenal will take on Bayer Leverkusen on August 7.
Real Madrid vs AC Milan
Samuel Chukwueze celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during a Pre-Season Friendly match between AC Milan and Real Madrid at Soldier Field Stadium on July 31, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The match between Real Madrid and AC Milan witnessed heavy rotation on both sides. Milan narrowly defeated Real Madrid by a scoreline of 1-0. The full house at Soldier Field in Chicago witnessed a lack of attacking flair in the first half.
The game came to life in the second half when AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze broke the deadlock before the hour mark. Los Blancos struggled to get up some fire in the attack without any of their star attackers on the field making it easy for the opponents.
The result will have no major impact on either side as they turn their focus to the upcoming preparation match.
AC Milan will next face Barcelona on Aug 7 while Real Madrid will also look forward to a friendly showdown with their rivals Barcelona on Aug 4.
Catch up on the latest pre-season friendlies with key results, standout goals and highlights from matches featuring top teams like Liverpool and Chelsea. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
