We Ain't Got No History - International Champions Cup Final: Chelsea vs Real MadridChampions of Europe!https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52884/21_SBN_002_We_Aint_Got_No_History_Favicon_32x32..png2013-08-10T07:45:17+01:00http://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/rss/stream/43596372013-08-10T07:45:17+01:002013-08-10T07:45:17+01:00Compare & Contrast: Lukaku vs. Torres, Real Madrid
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Well then 181 seconds worth of pictures, assuming 60 frames per second, is roughly 10 million words. Now where's my Pulitzer? (Or, to be more precise, where's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/kyhadley/videos">YouTube user kyhadley</a>'s Pulitzer?)</p>
<p>In any case, here's a lovely video that shows the extreme difference in styles between how <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres">Fernando Torres</a> played versus Real Madrid. While it's unclear how much of what we're seeing is the result of tactical instruction and how much is the player's own instinct and preference - and how much of either is influenced by the match situation and the teams' lineups - the contrast is fairly obvious.</p>
<p>So, one and a half minutes of Romelu Lukaku, target man & center forward, followed by one and a half minutes of Fernando Torres, trequartista.</p>
<p>Enjoy?</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/8/10/4608176/a-visual-comparison-of-romelu-lukaku-and-fernando-torres-vs-realDavid Pasztor2013-08-09T17:43:06+01:002013-08-09T17:43:06+01:00Watch: Van Ginkel shines against Real Madrid
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The former Vitesse man has been sensational this preseason, and continued that good form on Wednesday</p> <p>There wasn't a lot to love about <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea's</a> performance against Real Madrid in Miami, but anyone watching couldn't help but come away impressed by what they saw from Marco van Ginkel. Most fans and pundits believed that the young Dutchman would be destined for a season or two away from London before eventually settling with the first team, but I doubt too many of them still think he doesn't have a chance to contribute right away.</p>
<p>Van Ginkel has gotten better basically every time out this summer, and his all around game hasn't shown too many areas where major improvement is required. He's generally playing it safe when in possession, opting for a shorter pass to a teammate rather than trying to unlock the defense himself. That's fine by me, as we have plenty of players further up the pitch that can do exactly that.</p>
<p>His defensive work was also very good on Wednesday, he had quite a few tackles and interceptions to go along with generally solid positioning throughout. If he keeps playing at this level, the midfield might not be as much of an issue next season as it was over the past few.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/8/9/4605908/marco-van-ginkel-all-touches-real-madrid-chelsea-fc-preseason-friendlyStephen Schmidt2013-08-08T07:19:27+01:002013-08-08T07:19:27+01:00Chelsea 1 - Real Madrid 3: Reality Check Report
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<figcaption>Mike Ehrmann</figcaption>
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<p>José Mourinho may have essentially called him the fake Ronaldo, but the reality check administered tonight by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> and the well-oiled Real Madrid machine was ever so real. The man we shall call Cristiano from here on out - after all, there is in fact just one "real" Ronaldo - single-handedly decided the match with two absolute moments of brilliance, a trademark free kick breaking a 1-1 deadlock on the half hour, a devastating header delivering the killer blow on the hour mark. As has been normal for preseason, the match devolved into a pure fitness exercise once the substitutions started en masse, but prior to that, it was almost entertaining. Despite the scoreline.</p>
<p>A preseason match to end all preseason matches, the Chelsea vs. Real Madrid clash in the final of the Guinness International Champions Cup was hyped well and far above all basically meaningless matches in recent memory. It almost became meaningful even, with the shared history between the teams adding extra spice and Mourinho's mind-games with Cristiano adding extra bite. The delayed start and the extravagant pre-match ceremonies only added to the occasion. We almost failed to notice that <span>Juan Mata</span> wasn't with the team. <a href="https://twitter.com/juanmata10/status/365180005715685379">He was last seen at the pool</a>, but obviously he's now on the first flight to Barcelona with main man <span>David Luiz</span>.<b>*</b> <span>John Obi Mikel</span> was also MIA.</p>
<p><i>* No, they're not; although there's been no official word (yet) on why Mata (or Mikel) stayed behind at the team's base of US operations.</i></p>
<p>When the dust from the fireworks settled and fake Twitter lineups were sorted out, Mourinho's chosen eleven seemed to lend itself to either a 4-3-3 but perhaps also a 4-2-3-1. <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> led the line. <span>Ashley Cole</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110210/john-terry" class="sbn-auto-link">John Terry</a>, <span>Gary Cahill</span>, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110687/branislav-ivanovic" class="sbn-auto-link">Branislav Ivanovic</a> comprised the tall, strong back four, which was then shielded by Marco van Ginkel. Beyond that, everybody else seemed to just run about a bit, with varying degrees of success.</p>
<p>Real Madrid started like bottled lightning and quickly overran any and all Chelsea midfielders. The wonderfully imperious duo of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira" class="sbn-auto-link">Sami Khedira</a> and <span>Luka Modric</span> had no trouble with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard" class="sbn-auto-link">Frank Lampard</a>, who looked every bit a player out there for the first time this preseason, Marco van Ginkel, who sometimes looked out of his depth, and Ramires, who was doing the usual Ramires things, all of which look majestic when he's running and far less impressive when he's not. It was the Brazilian who would allow another Brazilian free passage through the midfield for the opening goal.</p>
<p>With everybody concentrating on Mr. Step-over on the left wing - and Branislav Ivanovic, combined with Oscar generally doing a decent job of it - Marcelo had free reign. Easily bypassing the static midfield with an incisive angled run not for the first time - Ramires's failure to track the run compounded further by his giveaway that started the entire Madrid possession in the first place - Marcelo found himself bearing down on the Chelsea goal with just Gary Cahill left to pose any challenge. Unfortunately, Cahill's challenge remained a theoretical ideal to strive for as the defender instead decided to back down and then back down and then back down some more, until Marcelo had enough of the charade and calmly slotted the ball through Cahill's legs low into the far corner. <span>Petr Cech</span> had no chance. Barely thirteen minutes had passed.</p>
<p>The goal highlighted Madrid's early dominance and things were looking ominous. But in a finish eerily similar to the one he produced versus the other giants of Spanish football, Ramires would bring Chelsea immediately back into the proceedings and make up for his earlier shortcomings.</p>
<p>For the first time in the match, a continuous and meaningful spell of possession for Chelsea - from the restart to the celebration - saw the ball eventually arrive at Eden Hazard's feet. The Belgian, often in the discussion as <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea's</a> best player, has had an indifferent preseason and today was largely no different outside of a brief spell in the second half, but in this one instance, his entry pass to Romelu Lukaku - from one Belgian to another - would prove useful. Lukaku's one touch layoff perfectly coincided with a glorious Ramires burst through the center of the Madrid defense and suddenly it was Ramires v. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas" class="sbn-auto-link">Iker Casillas</a>, 1-v-1. Casillas charged, Ramires chipped, and the match was tied.</p>
<p>Buoyant Chelsea and Madrid matched wits from this point on, resulting in a mostly even battle could've swung in either direction. Oscar's penalty shout was somewhat harshly ignored - <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos" class="sbn-auto-link">Sergio Ramos</a> clearly kicked the Chelsea man in the knee and the fact that this would end up as not the only penalty not called on Ramos in the first half (see also: Frank Lampard hauled down just as he was about to shoot) would rankle a bit more if this was, say, the Champions League. At the other end, Cristiano's shouts for free kicks were never likely to be ignored and rightly so, the Portuguese super star was receiving no pleasantries from John Terry and Ivanovic.</p>
<p>It was the latter's foul that would set up the free kick about 30 yards from goal with 30 minutes on the clock. We all knew what was coming. Even though his conversion rate is nowhere near godly, most like to praise his "technique" and his showman's touch in the setup & run-up as such. He had already blasted one well over, but this one was almost perfection. Power, pace, precision; up & over; a moment of brilliance making all the difference that's fit to put on the scoresheet. Cech got a finger to it, but there was very little he could truly do.</p>
<p>The advertising banner for this competition on the far side of the pitch read "no friendlies" and the rest of the first half lived up to that billing. Tempers flared - unsurprising with the likes of Pepe and John Terry out there - and both Frank Lampard (who seemed to develop a sudden distaste for Modric) and Alvaro Arbeloa (who had his hands full even with a below-par Hazard) picked up bookings. Cristiano's intensity was on another level though - Mourinho's mind games perhaps ill-advised in retrospect - and not even Marco van Ginkel managed to match it on our side.</p>
<p>At least it was entertaining, despite Chelsea's over-reliance on reverting back to the style of play prominent in the bygone era of the Drogba-Lampard-Terry axis. And although I'm not a fan of the incessant comparisons, the young Belgian man-mountain was at his most Drogba-like in the first half. Left to his own devices up top, he did wonderfully to provide an outlet, hold up play, and then lay off the ball to bring the advancing midfield into the attack. In more cohesive attacks, his runs opened up space for Lampard and Van Ginkel to test Casillas. It was another good performance for the striker who's surely worked his way to the top of the depth chart by this point.</p>
<p>Chelsea made three changes at half time, bringing on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres" class="sbn-auto-link">Fernando Torres</a>, Kevin De Bruyne, and <span>Victor Moses</span>, and for the next 15 minutes, the Blues were rampant. Moses's introduction finally provided Marcelo with some defensive duties, while De Bruyne was spraying pin-point accurate passes at will. Meanwhile, Hazard must have gotten a severe talking to, for he was back to the Hazard we know and love, tormenting all comers with flicks, tricks, and direct running. On 52 minutes, he got on to the end of a Ramires through ball, but unlike the provider, he chose to go under instead of over the advancing Casillas and Chelsea remained a goal down.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, soon after, the match would be over as a relevant contest. Isco - his talent yet another sparkling jewel in Real Madrid's crown - swung in a cross that looked harmless at conception; there were four Chelsea and zero Real Madrid players around the six-yard box after all. Perhaps awed by the perfect shape of the spinning ball as it arced through the humid Miami air however, they all stood transfixed; John Terry looking particularly rooted into the ground, although Ashley Cole didn't acquit himself much better either. At the same time, Cristiano was steaming into the area and having met the cross unchallenged, absolutely powered it into the back of the Chelsea net. Game. Set. Match.</p>
<p>Technically there were still thirty minutes left to play, but with both sides substituting liberally, all semblance of cohesion and competition dissipated rather quickly. At some point <span>Cesar Azpilicueta</span>, André Schürrle, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110300/michael-essien" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Essien</a> made an appearance, let the official record show, while Álvaro Morata scored with a rather slick heel flick - alas, from an offside position - at the other end. The referee's final whistle may have actually served as an alarm clock for many of the 67,273 in attendance, rousing them from their shallow slumber and signaling the start of the race towards the parking lot.</p>
<p>As always, we should be vary of assigning too much value to preseason results. In this one, Real Madrid and Cristiano Ronaldo especially were, for longer stretches, better and more incisive. They looked the more cohesive, the more willing, and often the more fit side. So far this preseason, Chelsea may have made easy work of Asian and Italian opposition (another one of whom awaits on Saturday), but today their shortcomings were exposed a bit. Lacking a true game-changer like Cristiano, a true midfield general like Khedira (Van Ginkel and then Essien tried as well as they could, to be fair), or a true midfield distributor like Modric, Chelsea were often a step late and a thought slow.</p>
<p>Except for the first few minutes of the second half, Chelsea's reactive tactics were simply not measuring up to the challenge. And when that gameplan - often manifesting in nine men behind the ball - was combined with criminally static defending and midfield positioning, Real made us pay. Assuming Mourinho sorts things out, today will have proven a much-needed reality check.</p>
<p>Ok, let's just go with that assumption for now.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/8/8/4600672/chelsea-real-madrid-international-champions-cup-match-report-reality-checkDavid Pasztor2013-08-08T04:14:39+01:002013-08-08T04:14:39+01:00Chelsea 1 - Real Madrid 3: Initial Reaction
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<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>All good things come to an end eventually, and tonight we saw the last of the Chelsea undefeated preseason.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/jose-mourinho" class="sbn-auto-link">Jose Mourinho</a> picked a decent lineup tonight, despite missing several of his top players. <span>Petr Cech</span> started in net, with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110687/branislav-ivanovic" class="sbn-auto-link">Branislav Ivanovic</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110210/john-terry" class="sbn-auto-link">John Terry</a>, <span>Gary Cahill</span>, and <span>Ashley Cole</span> in front of him. Marco van Ginkel and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard" class="sbn-auto-link">Frank Lampard</a> handled the pivot, with Ramires, Oscar, and <span>Eden Hazard</span> in front of them. <span>Romelu Lukaku</span> was tasked with leading the line alone, and often looked like <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110411/didier-drogba" class="sbn-auto-link">Didier Drogba</a> during the 2012 Champions League Final in doing so.</p>
<p>Real Madrid controlled the play early on, with <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea</a> seemingly content to sit deep and try to hit on the counter-attack. It wouldn't be long before the scoring was opened, as Marcelo took advantage of some poor defending by Chelsea to slot the ball into the back of the net.</p>
<p>Chelsea weren't behind for very long, as within a few minutes Ramires had leveled the tie. Romelu Lukaku did a nice job of laying the ball into the path of the sprinting Brazilian, and one patented Ramires chip later, the score was 1-1.</p>
<p>The lead didn't last long, as Branislav Ivanovic made a silly foul of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo" class="sbn-auto-link">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> well within range of the goal. CR7 wouldn't make any mistake on the ensuing free kick, placing a sublime ball into the upper portion of the net.</p>
<p>Chelsea could feel slightly aggrieved to be trailing at the half, as the referee had failed to award two fairly clear penalties for the Blues. The first was one that we'd see called about 50% of the time, with Oscar tripped up as he was entering the 18-yard box. The second was a very clear penalty that should be called every single time, with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos" class="sbn-auto-link">Sergio Ramos</a> hauling down Frank Lamard and the referee failing to point to the spot. Madrid had played well though, and deserved the pair of goals they had scored.</p>
<p>The second half got underway with fewer substitutions than we've been seeing, with only a trio of changes being made. Kevin De Bruyne, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres" class="sbn-auto-link">Fernando Torres</a>, and <span>Victor Moses</span> came on, with Frank Lampard, Oscar, and Romelu Lukaku making way.</p>
<p>The Blues looked better right from the start, dominating the early minutes of the half. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas" class="sbn-auto-link">Iker Casillas</a> was on his game though, and a pair of spectacular saves within the first eight minutes kept the game at 2-1. Not beating Casillas would come back to haunt the Blues though, as a beautiful run from CR7 resulted in a fairly routine header to make it three.</p>
<p>The 73rd minute saw <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110300/michael-essien" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Essien</a>, <span>Andre Schurrle</span>, and <span>Cesar Azpilicueta</span> replace Ramires, John Terry, and Marco van Ginkel. Ivanovic slid into the space vacated by Terry, with Kevin De Bruyne dropping into the pivot with Michael Essien.</p>
<p>Despite Chelsea holding their own during the final 20 minutes, the scoreline didn't change (largely due to some poor RM finishing and an offside run) and it ended 3-1. Chelsea played relatively well, but in the end came out second best. Here are a few thoughts after this one:</p>
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<li>There wasn't a whole lot of friendly in this "friendly". Wow.</li>
<li>Sergio Ramos hair tonight was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. Whoever thought that was a good idea should be shot into the sun.</li>
<li>By the end of this season, everyone is going to know the name Marco van Ginkel. He might be a part time player early on, but he'll be a regular starter by the end of the year.</li>
<li>There is definitely some bad blood between Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho. That's fine with me, as I don't really care for Ronaldo's pretty-boy garbage anyway.</li>
<li>The guys that looked like garbage tonight are generally the guys I'd expect to take the preseason a little less seriously. The center backs looked like they were ready for the dog food factory in general, and Frank Lampard looked as if it was his first preseason game. I'd hope that doens't happen again in 11 days time.</li>
<li>Victor Moses is looking a lot more like the early season terror form last year than the guy that fizzled out under the interim one.</li>
<li>Eden Hazard clearly doesn't have his legs all the way under him yet. It was pretty obvious he was spent by the time we reached the final 15 minutes or so, so that's something we'll hope improves in the next couple of weeks.</li>
<li>Cristiano Ronaldo is just awesome. We all hope Eden Hazard eventually becomes the sort of player he is right now, but at the moment, we just don't have anything comparable.He was the difference tonight.</li>
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<h4>More from We Ain't Got No History:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/8/7/4599388/martino-knows-nothing-about-barcelona-bid-for-david-luiz">Barcelona boss knows 'nothing' about David Luiz bid, which may have been rejected already anyway</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/8/7/4598700/3000-days-since-Arsenal-have-won-a-trophy-hahahahahahahahahaha">Arsenal's 3000th / Champions League Early Rounds / Chelsea Pre-match Open Thread</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2013/8/7/4598012/chelsea-fc-ulises-davila-loan-rumor-fc-twente-transfer">Chelsea reportedly discussing a Ulises Davila loan to FC Twente</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2013/8/7/4597228/chelsea-fc-stipe-perica-transfer-fee-loan-quotes">Stipe Perica speaks about his signing, will head out on loan this season</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2013/8/7/4597136/chelsea-fc-lucas-piazon-vitesse-arnhem-loan-transfer-rumor">Report: Lucas Piazon loan to Vitesse Arnhem is close to completion</a></li>
</ul>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/8/8/4600206/chelsea-fc-real-madrid-icc-final-usa-tour-initial-reactionStephen Schmidt2013-08-08T03:17:42+01:002013-08-08T03:17:42+01:00Chelsea vs. Real Madrid: Second Half Thread
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<figcaption>Martin Rose</figcaption>
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<p>Real Madrid lead the mighty Blues of London 2-1 following a highly entertaining opening 45 minutes of play on South Beach.</p> <p>Those in attendance at Miami's Sun Life Stadium have received a superb taste of what elite European football looks like tonight. The first half of this inaugural championship match of the Guinness International Champions Cub has been properly good, with both sides contributing to the spectacle.</p>
<p>There's been good pace to the overall place, a seriously competitive nature to the match, and, of course, a trident of goals to keep everyone entertained. Madrid opened the scoring through Marcelo following an fairly lackadaisical start from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a>. However, Ramires sparked the Blues into life by responding almost immediately - less than two minutes later to be exact. The Brazilian bursts through the middle of the pitch, past a handful of Madrid players, before beating <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas">Iker Casillas</a> with an exquisite chip reminiscent of his legendary finish against Barcelona during our memorable run to the Champions League trophy in 2011-12.</p>
<p>Not quite as good, mind you, but still lovely.</p>
<p>The rest of the half was full of smart play from both sides, and some less than stellar flailing from Madrid. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was constantly involved as you'd expect, hitting the deck on several occasions. One of those slip and falls led to a foul just outside the area, and the Portuguese took full advantage with a wonderful free kick that <span>Petr Cech</span> could only help into the net.</p>
<p>How the second half plays out is anyone's guess. One thing is for certain, though - we're likely in for another entertaining 45-plus minutes. Enjoy it, amigos.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/8/8/4599734/international-champions-cup-chelsea-real-madrid-second-half-threadJack Goodson2013-08-08T01:33:19+01:002013-08-08T01:33:19+01:00Chelsea vs. Real Madrid: Lineups & Game Thread
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<figcaption>Stanley Chou</figcaption>
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<p>It's time to start collecting some hardware, people.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/">Chelsea</a> and Real Madrid are set to entertain the stateside masses tonight in the finale of the inaugural Guinness International Champions Cup. South Beach is the setting - and a fairly sexy one at that - for this clash, one that, in addition to being Chelsea v. Real Madrid (a massive draw, friendly or no) has the added flavor of pitting a former Chelsea boss against a former Real Madrid boss.</p>
<p>No one on the planet can puff a loosie with quite as much class and panache as <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> (well, maybe <span>Dimitar Berbatov</span>), and he's sure to receive a warm reception from the Chelsea support. We do, after all, still like the man. A lot, actually.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/jose-mourinho">Jose Mourinho</a>, meanwhile, can probably expect a much less favorable response from the Madridistas. Old chum <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110845/iker-casillas">Iker Casillas</a> says he'll say "hello" to Mou, but the rest of the mutinous lot - <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos">Sergio Ramos</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110670/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, in particular - are likely to, as Dionne Warwick would say, walk on by.</p>
<p>In fact, I encourage you to post your version of just how conversation between these four may actually go tonight. As for the match, there's not much more to say other than this is must-see television however you slice it.</p>
<p><b>Chelsea starting XI (4-3-3)</b><br><span>Petr Cech</span>; Branislav Ivanovic, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110210/john-terry" class="sbn-auto-link">John Terry</a>, <span>Gary Cahill</span>, <span>Ashley Cole</span>; <span>Marco Van Ginkel</span>, Frank Lampard, Ramires; Eden Hazard, Oscar; Romelu Lukaku.</p>
<p><b>Bench:</b> <span>Mark Schwarzer</span>, Cesar Azpilicueta, <span>Ryan Bertrand</span>, Michael Essien, <span>Victor Moses</span>, Kevin De Bruyne, Demba Ba, Fernando Torres.</p>
<p><b>Los Galacticos starting XI (4-2-3-1)<br></b>Iker Casillas; Alvaro Arbeloa, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira" class="sbn-auto-link">Sami Khedira</a>, <span>Luka Modric</span>; Isco, Mesui Özil, Cristiano Ronaldo; <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/131262/karim-benzema" class="sbn-auto-link">Karim Benzema</a>.</p>
<p><b>Bench:</b> Lopez, Jesus, Mejias, Carvajal, Nacho, Kaká, Alonso, Di Maria, Illarramendi, Cheryshev, Morata, Jese, Casemiro.</p>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/8/8/4599616/international-champions-cup-chelsea-real-madrid-game-threadJack Goodson2013-08-06T23:00:03+01:002013-08-06T23:00:03+01:00Chelsea vs. Real Madrid: Preview
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zSsD_sYzx90Lpk6Vuwfeeovr3_M=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/17473889/20130804_ajl_aa9_236.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blues look to keep things perfect during the 2013 preseason tour, taking on Jose Mourinho's last employer and old friend Carlo Ancelotti</p> <p>Does <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/jose-mourinho" class="sbn-auto-link">Jose Mourinho</a> taking on Real Madrid sound enticing following his fallout with the Spanish giants last season? How about <span>Carlo Ancelotti</span> taking on <a href="https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chelsea</a> for the second preseason in a row? If those two items don't get you going, the fact that we're in a "final" of sorts against arguably the biggest side in Europe should get you interested, assuming of course you have any interest in the sport.</p>
<p>Chelsea have two preseason games left before they return to England to start playing games that actually count, and they'll play the first of those tomorrow against the best opponent they'll be facing this preseason. Even in a meaningless game, Real Madrid ought to offer a tough test for the Blues with several high quality opponents on the early schedule for the Blues. Here's what you need to know ahead of the game:</p>
<p><b>Date/Time:</b> Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 9:00 pm EST (6:00 pm PST). Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 02:00 BST.Thursday, August 8, 2013 at 6:30 am IST. If you need to figure out what time it's showing where you are at, use <a target="_blank" href="http://www.worldtimebuddy.com/">this</a>.</p>
<p><b>Opponent/SB Nation Blog:</b> Real Madrid, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.managingmadrid.com/">Managing Madrid</a></p>
<p><b>Venue:</b> Sun Life Stadium, Miami, FL, USA</p>
<p><b>Forecast:</b> As of this writing, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.weather.com/weather/today/Miami+FL+USFL0316:1:US">the forecast</a> for tomorrow night is calling for scattered thunderstorms in the Miami area. Rain in Florida? Shocking!</p>
<p><b>Television Information:</b> Fans in the United States will be able to watch on Fox Soccer Channel in English, and ESPN Deportes en Espanol. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chelseafc.com/chelseatv-simulcast?WT.mc_id=CmpType:Display*Asset:BANNER*CmpID:LiveRealMadrid*Other:CTVO">Chelsea TV</a> has the coverage in the UK, and you can find the network airing the game wherever you may be located by clicking <a target="_blank" href="http://www.livesoccertv.com/match/796610/real-madrid-vs-chelsea/">this link</a>.</p>
<p><b>Streaming Information:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index">WatchESPN</a> has you covered in the United States, as does <a target="_blank" href="http://www.foxsoccer2go.com/">FoxSoccer2Go</a>. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chelseafc.com/chelseatv-simulcast?WT.mc_id=CmpType:Display*Asset:BANNER*CmpID:LiveRealMadrid*Other:CTVO">Chelsea TV</a> looks like the best bet for those of you elsewhere on the planet, although the game isn't shown live in all locations.</p>
<p><b>Real Madrid Squad News:</b> Real Madrid (supposedly) brought the following players to the US, managed by Carlo Ancelotti:</p>
<p>Casillas, Diego Lopez, Jesus and Tomas Mejias, Varane, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrão, Marcelo, Carvajal, Arbeloa, Nacho, Casado, Mateos, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira" class="sbn-auto-link">Sami Khedira</a>, Kaká, Özil, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110858/xabi-alonso" class="sbn-auto-link">Xabi Alonso</a>, Modric, Di Maria, Illarramendi, Isco, Casemiro, Cheryshev, Ronaldo, Benzema, Morata, Jese</p>
<p>Just for fun, check out <a target="_blank" href="http://internationalchampionscup.com/teams/real-madrid/"> the International Champions Cup site</a>, which is claiming that both <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110300/michael-essien" class="sbn-auto-link">Michael Essien</a> and Gonzalo Higuain have made the trip with Los Blancos to be managed by Jose Mourinho.</p>
<p><b>Chelsea FC Squad News:</b> Chelsea brought the following players on their US tour, managed by Jose Mourinho:</p>
<p><span>Petr Cech</span>, <span>Mark Schwarzer</span>, <span>Henrique Hilario</span>, Jamal Blackman, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110687/branislav-ivanovic" class="sbn-auto-link">Branislav Ivanovic</a>, <span>Ashley Cole</span>, <span>David Luiz</span>, <span>Cesar Azpilicueta</span>, <span>Gary Cahill</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110210/john-terry" class="sbn-auto-link">John Terry</a>, <span>Ryan Bertrand</span>, Michael Essien, Ramires, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard" class="sbn-auto-link">Frank Lampard</a>, <span>John Obi Mikel</span>, Marco van Ginkel, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110873/fernando-torres" class="sbn-auto-link">Fernando Torres</a>, <span>Juan Mata</span>, Oscar, <span>Victor Moses</span>, <span>Andre Schurrle</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/167660/kevin-de-bruyne" class="sbn-auto-link">Kevin de Bruyne</a>, <span>Eden Hazard</span>, <span>Romelu Lukaku</span>, <span>Demba Ba</span></p>
<p><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/8/6/4594784/david-luiz-hamstring-injury-lingers" target="_blank">David Luiz will not take part in tomorrow's game</a>, but he's expected to be available when Chelsea take on Roma in the final game of their preseason. Other than that, it looks like it will be all hands on deck for this one.</p>
<p>The tournament organizers should be thrilled, as this match clearly features the two best teams on this tour. Add in the managerial moves made by both clubs this summer, and it's as close to a must watch as you'll ever see in the preseason. This one should be fun...</p>
<h4>More from We Ain't Got No History:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/8/6/4595244/luiz-gustavo-would-be-the-best-20-million-chelsea-have-spent-since-makelele">Bayern set Luiz Gustavo price at €20m; what are Chelsea waiting for?</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/chelsea-fc-transfer-rumours-news/2013/8/6/4594398/chelsea-still-negotiating-with-inter-over-a-wallace-loan-nothing-to">Chelsea still negotiating with Inter over a Wallace loan, nothing to the Napoli rumors</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/8/6/4594020/chelsea-fc-loan-patrick-bamford-mk-dons-quotes-injury">Patrick Bamford is healthy again and excited to get his season underway</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/8/6/4593426/juan-mata-wants-to-improve-under-jose-mourinho">Dear Premier League: Juan Mata is happy, ours, and wants to get even better</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.weaintgotnohistory.com/2013/8/6/4592952/jose-mourinho-praises-victor-moses">Jose Mourinho flying high on the wings of Super Eagle Victor Moses</a></li>
</ul>
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2013/8/6/4595370/chelsea-fc-real-madrid-icc-final-preseason-usa-tour-preview-date-time-television-streaming-squadsStephen Schmidt