Xabi Alonso believes building a connection with the Stamford Bridge faithful will be huge for Chelsea this season, though some supporters booed Enzo Fernandez during Saturday’s 3-1 friendly win over Real Sociedad.
Morgan Rogers scored his first goal for the Blues just 11 minutes into his home debut, tapping in from close range after Alex Remiro could only parry Joao Pedro’s header.
La Real levelled through Jon Aramburu on the stroke of half-time, though two Joao Pedro goals – a far-post header and an excellent breakaway strike assisted by Malo Gusto’s searching through-ball – secured the victory for Chelsea.
Alonso’s Blues looked good after naming a strong lineup for their final pre-season tune-up, creating chances worth 1.57 expected goals (xG) to La Real’s 0.97.
Chelsea also had a 58.9% possession share and created two Opta-defined big chances, while not giving up any to their Spanish opponents.
With Chelsea welcoming back those players who went furthest at the World Cup, Argentina’s Fernandez was introduced from the bench in the 62nd minute, and he got a mixed reception.
Some jeers were audible as Fernandez came on after a summer in which he has pushed for a move away from Stamford Bridge, with Real Madrid and Manchester City both credited with an interest in his services.
But aside from that moment, Alonso was glad to hear the home fans getting behind their team.
He told Chelsea’s media channels: “It was a very good last preparation game.
“For some players, it was the first [friendly] and the last one. For us, there were some good things, some things we can improve. It’s normal at this point.
The icing on the cake. pic.twitter.com/fBzRJ1QG07
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 15, 2026
“It was great to have all the team together. Some of them, after three days, could play for 60 minutes.
“It was the last test. Now we have a whole week to prepare for Fulham, but it was a good feeling in the stadium.
“It was emotional, my first time in a new home. It was a great reception from the supporters, to the team and to the new staff, myself as well, so I was delighted.
“We want to create good connections and have that support. We want to give them good football so they will give us energy, and then we can connect.
“To have a good atmosphere here in the stadium will be a massive boost for the team.”
Chelsea make the short trip to Craven Cottage for their Premier League opener on August 24, to face a Fulham team they have beaten 23 times in 38 meetings in the competition, only losing four of those matches (D11).
