Xabi Alonso began his Chelsea Premier League tenure with a 3–2 win at Fulham in the 2026–27 opener.
Chelsea defeated Fulham 3–2 at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August 2026. The result completed the opening round of Premier League fixtures and gave Alonso a winning start in the Chelsea dugout.
The match was also a managerial meeting between two Spanish coaches. Álvaro Arbeloa led Fulham, while Alonso took charge of Chelsea. Their teams produced the highest-scoring match of the opening weekend, with five goals.
The victory came away from home in a local London derby. It should not be confused with Arsenal’s opening fixture, Manchester City’s comeback against Bournemouth or Liverpool’s draw at Newcastle, all of which took place earlier in the round.