Xabi Alonso made his first competitive Chelsea start 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 victory gave Alonso a winning start as Chelsea manager in his first Premier League match in charge.
The fixture was also a London derby, since Fulham and Chelsea are based in neighbouring west London districts. Chelsea took the points in a closely contested match rather than through a one-sided result.
Alonso had previously built a reputation as a midfielder and coach in European football. His appointment made the opening-weekend meeting notable beyond the scoreline, while Fulham were managed by Álvaro Arbeloa.