Chelsea secure pre-season win against Barcelona

Barcelona's midfielder Ivan Rakitic shoots the ball in front of Chelsea's midfielder Mateo Kovacic during their football friendly [TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA / AFP]

Chelsea beat Spanish champions Barcelona 2-1 in their pre-season friendly in Japan on Tuesday.

Tammy Abraham and Ross Barkley were on the scoresheet for the Premier League side, while Ivan Rakitic struck Barca’s consolation goal in injury time.

The game saw Frenchman Antoine Griezmann make his debut for the Spanish giants, while 20-year-old American forward Christian Pulisic made his first start for the Blues.

It was Barcelona's first match since returning from their summer holidays and despite a bright start, their lack of match sharpness was evident against Frank Lampard’s men, who were playing their fourth match of pre-season.

More from Sports News

On Virgin Radio today

  • Non Stop Hits

    3:00am - 7:00pm

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • The Fix With Dany Neville

    7:00pm - 11:00pm

    Officially the UAE's favourite DJ, Dany Neville makes sure you have the soundtrack you need every Saturday night.