Chelsea beat Real Sociedad 2-1 in the U21’s Premier League International Cup

By Raul Rizzato, November 27 2024.

Harvey Vale and Deivid Washington scored within 25 minutes of the first half to secure U21’s Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Kingsmeadow in the Premier League International Cup on Tuesday, November 26.

Chelsea started on a fast pace out of the gates and opened the score after five minutes when attacking midfielder captain Harvey Vale scored his third goal in two matches, finding the back of the net from inside the box with the left foot after a rebound from Deivid Washington attempt.

Ishe Samuels-Smith said: “It’s always good to have a comfortable lead at the start because obviously you don’t have as much pressure, and it helps you to stay confident.”

Chelsea continued on the front foot and found the second goal in the 25th minute when Brazilian striker Deivid Washington caught the Spanish defence off-guard through the middle of the pitch on a speedy counter after a one-two with Brodi Hughes.

The Blues stayed on the attack and had chance to increase the lead and put the game to bed just before halftime when Shumaira Mhueka got face-to-face with goalkeeper Aitor Fraga but missed wide left, just narrowly outside the bottom corner.

“It’s one of those really you will be watching back 20 times. It’s annoying of course, but you have to move on and [it’s] something to learn from,” said Mhueka.

Real Sociedad got back from halftime trying to respond and created few chances through the left side with Abai Cabo who came off the bench to replace injured Alex Marchal, but Chelsea continued controlling the midfield and the time of possession as it did in the first half.

Ato Ampah had a chance to score for Chelsea from the penalty kick spot in the 77th minute, but he missed it after the Spanish goalkeeper saved it on the right bottom corner.

Daniel Diaz scored for Real Sociedad with three minutes left in regulation as the Spanish side pushed for the equaliser in the final minutes, but it was not enough to avoid defeat.

“It’s always tough, but we stuck together to hold on to the three points,” said Samuels-Smith.

After the victory Chelsea holds second place in the Group D of the European competition with six points in three games, and three points off the leader Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Blues now switch their focus to face domestic competition when Derby County visit Kingsmeadow in the Premier League Two on Friday, a team they lost to 4-3 prior to playing Real Sociedad.

"We don’t need to change anything. It is just about our maturity, after the first half we had 3-1 comfortably and then just immature behaviour, not stopping goals.

"We can't really take any games differently in terms of how we approach it, in terms of competition or energy," said Samuels-Smith.

By Raul Media UK.

(Credits: videos & photos by Raul Rizzato.)