Chelsea 2 Bayern Munich 3: Alvaro Morata can’t save Blues after coming off bench for first appearance at new club
Morata gets early assist as Michy Batshuayi scores again but Antonio Conte's side are punished for early defensive howlers
ALVARO MORATA came off the bench for his debut – after Chelsea were Mullered in a first-half blitz.
Morata came on for the last 27 minutes at the National Stadium in Singapore and was played on the left, with Michy Batshuayi the central striker.
Chelsea’s new £65million signing from Real Madrid even helped set up a goal for Batshuayi but could not prevent defeat after Thomas Muller’s goals put Bayern out of sight.
Antonio Conte picked a strong team but they were swept aside in the first half by the Bundesliga champs.
Rafinha opened the scoring with a 25-yarder that skidded along the ground and off the post.
Thibaut Courtois could have done better for that one – but his defenders were guilty for the rest of Bayern’s goals.
Firstly, Franck Ribery danced around Cesar Azpilicueta and floated up a cross to the back post.
Muller was there, beating Cesc Fabregas to the ball to volley home and double the lead.
Then he added the next goal as Chelsea defenders backed off him. It was not great viewing for Andreas Christensen, who has returned from Germany to fight for a first-team place.
The Danish youngster backed off Muller, along with Gary Cahill, and the Germany star curled his effort around Courtois.
Marcos Alonso pulled one back before the break when Victor Moses’ cross evaded everyone and went to the back post – with Alonso lashing into the corner.
David Luiz came on at the same time as Morata and hit the post with a deflected effort.
Then Batshuayi tapped in after Morata flicked on a corner – but it was too late to prevent defeat.
Boss Antonio Conte said: "Our start wasn't good but the players showed me a great will to try to change the result.
"We must give Morata the right time to adapt to our way of football, but he should be pleased with his performance."
Chelsea will stay on in Singapore for the remainder of the week as they complete the three matches on their Far East Tour.
They beat Arsenal 3-0 in their opening game in Beijing before the Bayern game today, and on Saturday will come up against Italian club Inter Milan.
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