Chelsea and Real Madrid meet at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte high-profile match, both aiming to rectify recent setbacks.
Chelsea has won only one of their four preseason matches so far - a 3-0 victory over America, following a 2-2 draw with Wrexham and defeats to Celtic (1-4) and Manchester City (2-6). Despite the setbacks, Maresca remains optimistic about the team's progress, acknowledging inevitable mistakes.
Chelsea faces two more preseason tests before a challenging season begins: a clash with Inter Milan on August 11 and a Premier League opener against Manchester City seven days later.
Similarly, Real Madrid's recent 'friendly' Clasico with Barcelona featured a standout performer, albeit not as well-known as Erling Haaland. Barcelona's 22-year-old prospect Pau Víctor, who recently signed his first-team contract, scored twice against Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium.
Despite Nico Paz's goal for Real Madrid, Barcelona secured bragging rights in the friendly and handed the reigning Spanish champions their second consecutive preseason defeat, following a 0-1 loss to AC Milan.
Real Madrid has also won only one preseason match - a 3-0 victory over Albacete. Their upcoming match against Chelsea marks the end of their preseason friendly period before facing Atalanta BC in the UEFA Super Cup.
Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Real Madrid
Chelsea vs Real Madrid stream and TV listing
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