Xabi Alonso led Chelsea in their 3–2 away win at Fulham during the 2026–27 Premier League opening round.
Chelsea beat Fulham 3–2 at Craven Cottage on Monday 24 August 2026, giving Alonso a winning start as Chelsea head coach. It was also the final match of the opening round.
João Pedro put Chelsea ahead after only 31 seconds. Fulham equalised through Josh King, but Morgan Rogers restored Chelsea’s lead before Cole Palmer made it 3–1 early in the second half.
Gonzalo García pulled one goal back for Fulham on his Premier League debut, but Chelsea held on. Fulham were managed by Álvaro Arbeloa, making the west London derby a meeting between two coaches beginning their first Premier League campaigns in England.