Chelsea's Hazard scores remarkable goal in thrilling victory over Barcelona

A remarkable first-half goal by Eden Hazard was the highlight of Chelsea’s thrilling encounter with Barcelona in an International Champions Cup friendly played at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland.

Chelsea won the match after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory with Loic Remy scoring the winning spot-kick following a 2-2 draw in 90 minutes.

Hazard opened the scoring on 10 minutes with a memorable solo goal as he collected the ball from 25 yards and ghosted past a number of challenges before firing in at goal.

Luis Suarez equalised on 52 minutes and Sandro gave Barcelona the lead on 66 minutes before Gary Cahill bravely levelled the scores five minutes before the final whistle.

The match proceeded to spot-kicks with Gerard Pique and Alen Halilović missing for Barcelona and Radamel Falcao, Victor Moses, Ramires and Remy scoring for Chelsea.

3’ - SAVE! A fantastic stop by Ter Stegen denies Chelsea an early opener after Fabregas' deadly delivery from a free-kick was met by a powerful Zouma header.

10’ - GOAL - Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona! Ooooh, what a goal it is from Hazard. Mourinho has called on his Belgian star to up his game this season to match the performances of Messi and that was a Messi-like goal as he leaves a number of Barcelona players in his wake before firing low into the corner.

26’ - POST! Chelsea go within inches of doubling their lead as Oscar strikes the post with a fantastic free-kick.

30’ - SAVE! Suarez almost levels the scores with a well struck effort, showing lovely technique, but Courtois does well to get down to his right and make the stop.

32’ - WIDE! Costa shows tremendous pace to get behind the Barca defence but his finishing lets him down once more as he places the ball wide of the post. He looks fast, strong and mobile, but his final product in pre-season has left a lot to be desired.

38’ - OVER! Oooh, what a chance! Suarez plays a pass across the face of goal but somehow Rakitic blazes it over from a matter of yards.

52’ - GOAL - Chelsea 1-1 Barcelona! Suarez equalises for the Spanish side after capitalizing on a poor Azpilicueta clearance as he dinks the ball over Courtois and the ball rolls over the line despite the best efforts of Zouma to clear it.

66’ - GOAL - Chelsea 1-2 Barcelona! The European champions have taken the lead for the first time in the match after Sandro cut onto his right foot and curled an effort past Courtois into the back of the net. What a goal.

78 - WIDE! Ramires is played through in a decent position but he fires his shot inches wide at the near post - should have done better.

85 - GOAL - Chelsea 2-2 Barcelona! Cahill has levelled the scores after Barca fail to clear Willian's free-kick and Masip hesitates to allow the Englishman to bravely power in the header.

Is this Hazard’s season to match the best? His boss has compared the Belgian star with world-beaters Ronaldo and Messi and one look at Hazard’s opening goal shows exactly why. The PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year last season has lit up Chelsea’s friendlies this summer and if he can maintain this form throughout the season then Hazard could be a real contender for the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

Eden Hazard (Chelsea): His opening goal was Messi-like as he dribbled his way past several challenges before coolly finishing the ball into the net. Pace, power and determination, Chelsea have a real player on their hands.

Chelsea: Courtois 8, Ivanovic 6, Zouma 7, Cahill 7, Azpilicueta 5, Fabregas 6, Matic 6, Kenedy 5, Oscar 7, Hazard 9, Diego Costa 6. Subs: Terry 5, Mikel 5, Remy 5, Moses 6, Falcao 5, Ramires 6, Willian 6.

Barcelona: Ter Stegen 7, Rakitic 7, Sergio 5, Suárez 8, Bartra 6, Douglas 5, Munir 4, Sandro 8, Adriano 7, Mathieu 6, Gumbau 5. Subs: Iniesta 6, Halilovic 5, Masip 4, Pique 5, Vermaelen 5, Alba 5.