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Diego Costa scores in Chelsea win, Man City routs AC Milan, Liverpool too good for Olympiakos

NEW striker Diego Costa scores in Chelsea’s friendly win in Solvenia, Manchester City routs AC Milan and Liverpool defeats Olympiakos.

Ljubljana's Slovenian defender Antonio Delamea Mlinar (R) and Chelsea's Spanish forward Diego Costa (L) vies for the ball during the friendly football match between Olimpija Ljubljana and Chelsea FC on July 27, 2014 at the Stozice stadium in Ljubljana. AFP PHOTO / Rene Gomolj
Ljubljana's Slovenian defender Antonio Delamea Mlinar (R) and Chelsea's Spanish forward Diego Costa (L) vies for the ball during the friendly football match between Olimpija Ljubljana and Chelsea FC on July 27, 2014 at the Stozice stadium in Ljubljana. AFP PHOTO / Rene Gomolj

OFF-SEASON signing Diego Costa found the net on his Chelsea debut as they came from behind to secure a 2-1 pre-season friendly win over Slovenian side Olimpija Ljubljana.

Fellow new arrival Cesc Fabregas also featured in Jose Mourinho’s side for the first time in Sunday’s clash at the Stozice Stadium, and it was his through ball which allowed Costa to cancel out Nik Kapun’s 40th-minute opener with an emphatic finish.

The 25-year-old, who penned a five-year deal from Atletico Madrid this summer, raced onto Fabregas’ pinpoint pass and fired into the roof of the net in the 55th minute.

Kurt Zouma then added a second from close range on 63 minutes, after Fernando Torres’ strike was parried into his path for a simple tap-in.

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Chelsea signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas linked up for the Blues’ first goal.
Chelsea signings Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas linked up for the Blues’ first goal.

Branislav Ivanovic thought he had made it three, only for his effort to eventually be ruled out, while Torres himself missed a glaring opportunity when he diverted Nathan Ake’s left-wing cross wide from inside the six-yard box

Petr Cech was forced into action late on to make two smart saves in quick succession, before Patrick Bamford threatened in the closing stages as Mourinho’s men claimed the win.

The Blues now face Vitesse Arnhem in their next pre-season outing, before fixtures against Werder Bremen, Ferencvaros and Real Sociedad take them into the Premier League opener against Burnley.

Two fans pose for a photo before the game between AC Milan and Manchester City.
Two fans pose for a photo before the game between AC Milan and Manchester City.

At Pittsburgh, Manchester City 5 (Jovetic 11, 58, Sinclair 14, Navas 23, Iheanacho 26 AC Milan 1 (Muntari 42)

Manchester City got their International Champions Cup campaign off to a flying start with an impressive 5-1 win over AC Milan at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.

City raced into a 4-0 lead inside the opening 26 minutes thanks to goals from Stevan Jovetic, Scott Sinclair, Jeus Navas and Nigerian youngster Kelechi Iheanacho.

Milan gave themselves hope with a goal back just before the break through former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Muntari, but man of the match Jovetic grabbed his second and City’s fifth goal of the contest early in the second half to condemn Milan to their second defeat in the International Champions Cup.

Stevan Jovetic of Manchester City celebrates his first half goal against AC Milan.
Stevan Jovetic of Manchester City celebrates his first half goal against AC Milan.

In Charlotte, Liverpool 1 (Sterling 6) Olympiakos 0

In monday morning’s other International Champions Cup match, Raheem Sterling’s early goal was enough as Liverpool defeated Greek side Olympiakos 1-0 in Charlotte.

Liverpool FC forward Raheem Sterling celebrates his goal with new signing Lazar Markovic.
Liverpool FC forward Raheem Sterling celebrates his goal with new signing Lazar Markovic.

Originally published as Diego Costa scores in Chelsea win, Man City routs AC Milan, Liverpool too good for Olympiakos

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/diego-costa-scores-in-chelsea-win-man-city-routs-ac-milan-liverpool-too-good-for-olympiakos/news-story/47db50e5aadcbbafb82263f903ef44b0