Xabi Alonso has plenty to unpack following Chelsea's win over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Chelsea's Argentinian midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez reacts after failing to score during the pre-season friendly football match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge in London on August 15, 2026
Enzo Fernandez grimaces during Chelsea's clash against Real Sociedad(Image: Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images)
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Enzo Fernandez stole the limelight during Xabi Alonso's first game in charge of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The 25-year-old midfielder, who has faced an uncertain future for a while now, was booed by sections of the home faithful on Saturday afternoon, as Joao Pedro fired the Blues to a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad.
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Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour, marking his first appearance for Chelsea with a goal. Jon Mikel Aramburu levelled proceedings shortly before the break, beating Robert Sanchez with a well-struck volley from just outside the box.
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The Blues leapt out of the gates in the second half, with Joao Pedro restoring the lead courtesy of a close-range header. He later added a second to his tally, netting his eighth goal in seven pre-season friendly games, including those behind closed doors.
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Speaking to club media after the game, Alonso reflected on his home debut. The Chelsea manager said: "It was a very good last preparation game. For some players, it was the first one and the last one.
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"For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. Itβs normal at this moment for some players. It was great to have all the team together. Some of them, after three days, could play for 60 minutes.
"It was the last test. Now we have a whole week to prepare for Fulham, but it was a good feeling in the stadium."
So, with that being said, football.london has looked at five things you may have missed during Chelsea's clash against Real Sociedad.
Friend or Foe?
The Blues certainly caught the eye, but Fernandez stole the limelight. The Argentina international was booed by some and cheered by others upon his return to action following the World Cup.
Shortly before the fourth official put up the electronic board to signal the change of Fernandez for Reece James, there was an eerie murmur spreading among the crowd. 'To boo or not to boo?' That was the question on the minds of supporters, who were unsure whether to plead with him to stay or berate him for wanting to leave.
Fernandez stood alone on the sidelines for a few moments, soaking up the atmosphere, before he was joined by Malo Gusto and Josh Acheampong; Mike Penders, who came on for Sanchez, was late to the party. The Argentine nervously waited to come on.
Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea speaks to team mate Romeo Lavia after the pre-season friendly match between Chelsea and Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on August 15, 2026 in London, England
Enzo Fernandez faces an awkward chat with Xabi Alonso(Image: Photo by Chelsea Football Club/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
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The Chelsea skipper wrapped the captain's armband around Fernandez's arm before giving him a hug. At first, the Argentine was booed, but then supporters in the Matthew Harding and Shed End leapt to his defence, chanting his name as they tried to drown out the other half of the stadium.
Then, following the full-time whistle, Fernandez did a low-key lap of honour, applauding the fans before heading down the tunnel. Closely followed by Romeo Lavia, he was the first to leave the field. Could it have been a goodbye?
Rogers leaps out of the blocks
Rogers raced out of the blocks on Saturday afternoon, marking his first appearance for Chelsea with a goal. It was hardly a worldie, like many of his strikes for Aston Villa over the years, but the new Blues midfielder reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the six-yard box.
Alonso faces Chelsea backline dilemma
Interestingly, Wesley Fofana, who will miss the opening clash of the new Premier League season against Fulham on Monday, August 24 due to suspension, played the entire match. The Chelsea defender made a great impression against Real Sociedad, staking a strong claim for a key role this season, but now Alonso needs to find someone to fill his rather big shoes at Craven Cottage.
Back with a bang!
Pedro marked his long-awaited return to action at Stamford Bridge with two brilliant goals. The Chelsea striker was a menace throughout, and if he wasn't already, he now looks set to be the first name on the teamsheet for as long as he stays in west London.
Eight Chelsea stars left at home
Eight big names were out of the Chelsea squad on Saturday afternoon, and five of them could leave the club before the transfer window slams shut at 11pm on Tuesday, September 1. Nicolas Jackson, Liam Delap, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mykhailo Mudryk, Aaron Anselmino, and Mamadou Sarr each face uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge, while Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson were left at home.