Inter Milan win over Chelsea eclipsed by Kondogbia’s sublime own goal
Geoffrey Kondogbia entered the annals of sporting infamy with a remarkable own goal in the 2-1 friendly win over Chelsea in Singapore.
Inter Milan's Geoffrey Kondogbia entered the annals of sporting infamy with a quite stunning own goal but Italians managed to hold on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in Singapore, condemning Antonio Conte's charges to their second straight pre-season defeat.
Two-goal lead whittled down by Kondogbia stunner
Inter led by two goals from Ivan Perišić and Stevan Jovetić, before what was supposed to be a routine backpass from substitute Kondogbia looped high over his own goalkeeper and nestled into the top corner of the net from a full 40 yards out, leaving the 32,000-strong crowd in amazement.
The Frenchman's embarrassing mishap overshadowed what had otherwise been an impressive performance by Inter, and in particular Manchester United target Perišić. The Croatian winger played a central role in the game and scored the Serie A side's second goal in the 53rd minute, latching on to a pass from Jovetić before applying a smart finish.
Courtois forced into action
Inter dominated the early stages. In the first few minutes a defence-splitting Milan Skriniar pass found Antonio Candreva who forced Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into a fingertip save.
With the game going a bit flat, the English champions grew into their own. Big-money signing Álvaro Morata was subdued on his first start since moving from Real Madrid and it was Willian who had Chelsea's first real chance with a deflected effort in the 27th minute, before David Luiz fizzed a free-kick over.
Inter take the lead
Inter found the breakthrough in the third minute of first-half stoppage time. A clipped through ball from Borja Valero was chested down by Jovetić, who went down easily under a César Azpilicueta challenge, and was awarded a penalty. Jovetić's first effort was saved but the striker slotted home the rebound.
After Perišić 's second, Inter nearly made it 3-0 as he squared to substitute João Mário, only for the midfielder to shoot straight at Courtois. Kondogbia's unfortunate intervention set up a nervy finish but Chelsea were unable to force the leveller. It was a second defeat on the trot for Chelsea after losing 3-2 to Bayern Munich in Singapore.