Xabi Alonso oversaw Chelsea’s opening-weekend match in the 2026–27 Premier League. Chelsea defeated Fulham 3–2 away at Craven Cottage under their new head coach.
Alonso had been appointed Chelsea manager in May 2026. His competitive Premier League debut came in a west London derby against Fulham, whose own new head coach was Álvaro Arbeloa.
Chelsea’s victory completed Matchweek 1 because the fixture was played on Monday, 24 August. The other opening-round matches had been spread across the preceding Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The result was a narrow win rather than a clean sheet. Chelsea scored three times, but Fulham’s two goals kept the match close until the final whistle. The fixture therefore combined a managerial debut with a local rivalry and a five-goal scoreline.