Chelsea beat Barcelona in shootout after 2-2 draw

Jose Mourinho leads his Blues side out against the reigning Champions League holders, once again facing a club that were at one point his employers, and on many other occasions his chief opponent.

One major attribute that Mourinho adores in players is relentless and unmitigated concentration to the job – whether in training, friendly matches or in actual match situations.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois produced another brilliant display as Chelsea defeated European champions Barcelona 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 2-2 at the end of regulation in Washington DC on Tuesday.

Chelsea and Barcelona participate in the prestigious worldwide Champions Cup where they square off with some of the best teams in the world.

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas is envious of his former club’s success last season and feels Barcelona are still the best team in the world.

Barcelona, playing without Lionel Messi and Neymar, who were rested from the tour, gathered themselves and began to dominate possession and it was the third member of their prolific trio, Luis Suarez, who levelled the score in the 52nd minute. “But there are no doubts that we can compete against anyone”, he further said, while talking to the Standard Sport. “But there are no doubts that we can compete against anyone”. “We will have to do well”.

It has been a pretty ordinary pre-season for Barcelona and Chelsea with both teams suffering convincing defeats against Manchester United and New York Red Bulls respectively.

But his incredible solo effort against Barcelona was every bit a goal worthy of Messi, picking the ball up in the opposition half before darting through three players and beating Marc-Andre ter Stegen with a fine finish. But even Suarez by himself is enough to carry the Catalans and threaten Chelsea’s defense. I spent lovely years there, some of the most attractive moments of my career and my life personally as well. Now they are not ready to start against Barcelona, but I think they can go from 20 to 30 minutes.

The Spanish playmaker claims that although the Community Shield game is not the most important game of the season he is still focused on giving his all to win the game and acknowledges the importance of any London derby. “I am hoping for an even better season on both levels in 2015-16”.

Chelsea stayed on the front foot, and Oscar forced ter Stegen into another prone save before Hazard broke through in the 10th minute. But Iniesta’s healthy now and his playmaking and leadership in the central midfield should be a significant factor against Chelsea’s top midfielders in Hazard, Fabregas, and Juan Cuadrado coming off the bench.