Chelsea defeated Fulham 3–2 in the final match of the 2026–27 Premier League opening round.
The match was played at Craven Cottage on Monday, 24 August 2026, bringing the first round to a close. Chelsea’s away victory followed nine other fixtures spread across the preceding Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The result gave Chelsea three points in the opening table, while Fulham began the campaign without a point. It was also notable for the managerial meeting between Xabi Alonso and Álvaro Arbeloa, two familiar names from Spanish football who were beginning new English coaching roles.
Because the match took place on Monday rather than during the main Saturday-Sunday schedule, it is sometimes overlooked when people list the opening-weekend results. It nevertheless formed part of the opening round.