Hazard, Marcelo at the Double as Madrid win Chelsea 3-2

Hazard, Marcelo at the Double as Madrid win Chelsea 3-2

Eden Hazard made a statement on his first pre-season appearance by scoring twice as Chelsea lost 3-2 to Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup in Michigan, United States of America.

Reigning European champions Madrid led after Marcelo’s 20-yard shot deflected off Oscar and wrong-footed Asmir Begovic in goal for the Blues.

Marcelo, then pinched possession twice in quick succession, first, he doubled the lead with a superb solo goal, then laid off for Mariano Diaz to drive home a 30-yard strike just before half-time.

Chelsea improved considerably after the break, rewarded by Hazard twice slotting in after rounding the keeper.

The Belgium playmaker, playing in his first game since the Euros, provided some much-needed spark for the Blues, who looked out of their depths against an under strength Madrid side.

Following the 65th-minute introduction of Hazard, and helped by a number of Madrid changes, Chelsea clawed their way back into the game – but left it too late to grab an equaliser.

Antonio Conte’s men face Italian giants AC Milan in the final game of their US tour on Wednesday before wrapping up their pre-season schedule against German team Werder Bremen next weekend.

The Blues kickoff their 2016-17 Premier League season with a home game against London rivals West Ham on Monday, 15 August.