Gary Cahill's first-half header was enough for a 10-man Chelsea to see off Liverpool 1-0 in its International Champions Cup fixture. Defender Cahill rose highest from a Cesc Fabregas corner in the 10th minute, heading it past Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius for the only goal of the game on Wednesday. Jurgen Klopp's side could not find a way past Asmir Begovic despite Fabregas being sent off for a crunching tackle on Ragnar Klavan in the 70th minute at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
The loss was Liverpool's first of the pre-season under Klopp, having secured victories over Tranmere Rovers, Fleetwood Town, Wigan Athletic and Huddersfield Town. Youngster Ovie Ejaria looked bright for the Reds, but it was Chelsea who was carving the better of the chances throughout the opening period, with Fabregas and Victor Moses particularly threatening. Liverpool recruit Marko Grujic was in the wars in the first period and had to be treated on the stroke of half-time after a clash of heads, and was replaced at the break by Adam Lallana.
Chelsea sat back in the second half as head coach Antonio Conte tinkered with his side, with Juan Cuadrado, Pedro and new signing Michy Batshuayi entering the fray. However, just three minutes later Conte's side were dealt a blow after Fabregas was given his marching orders for a studs-up challenge on Estonian defender Klavan. Liverpool continued to press for an equaliser late on, but, despite some promising play in the final-third, the side lacked any final product without an out-and-out number nine.
Klopp's side take on AC Milan next up in the ICC on Saturday, while Conte and Company will face European champions Real Madrid.
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