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Xabi Alonso began his new chapter in the English Premier League with a victory as Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage in a thrilling season opener.
The match also featured a battle between two former Real Madrid coaches. Alonso faced Alvaro Arbeloa, who had taken charge of Real Madrid in January after replacing Alonso before leaving the Spanish club in June. Arbeloa could not mark his first Premier League match as Fulham manager with a win.
Chelsea made a flying start, taking the lead after just 31 seconds. Joao Pedro finished clinically after Cole Palmer found him on the right following Levi Colwill’s header.
Fulham quickly responded through teenage midfielder Josh King, who fired a powerful shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to level the score.
Chelsea continued to press and regained the lead shortly before half-time. Morgan Rogers, Chelsea’s record signing this season, marked his debut with a goal, calmly finishing Maxence Lacroix’s cutback.
Palmer then extended Chelsea’s lead in the second half. Receiving the ball from Joao Pedro inside the box, he fired between Bernd Leno’s legs to make it 3-1 and complete his brace.
Fulham refused to give up and pulled another goal back. Timothy Castagne helped create the chance before Real Madrid loanee Gonzalo Garcia headed home the rebound, scoring on his Premier League debut.
The hosts pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Chelsea’s defence held firm to secure a 3-2 victory.
Although Alonso’s Chelsea started with a win, the team showed some defensive vulnerability after twice allowing Fulham to threaten their lead. Palmer’s outstanding display, Joao Pedro’s early goal and Rogers’ scoring debut, however, offered plenty of encouragement.
The victory also marked Chelsea’s first Premier League campaign-opening win since the 2022-23 season, giving Alonso a positive start to his tenure at Stamford Bridge.