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Chelsea outsmart Real Sociedad to conclude preseason on a high
15th August, 2026 06:42 PM
Chelsea capped off their preseason campaign under manager Xabi Alonso on a high note with a 3-1 victory against Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
Joao Pedro was the star of the match, scoring a brace, as new signing Morgan Rogers also scored on his debut to complete the Blues’ preseason high.
Alonso named a strong starting lineup featuring goalkeeper Robert Sánchez behind a back three of Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Wesley Fofana. Operating on the flanks was summer signing Marco Palestra at left wing-back, while team captain Reece James held down the right flank.
The midfield was controlled by Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo, while new signing Morgan Rogers and star forward João Pedro spearheaded the attack.
The Blues opened the scoring just eight minutes into the match when Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper failed to hold onto a João Pedro header back across goal, allowing Morgan Rogers to turn home the rebound for a goal on his debut.
Real Sociedad responded quickly as Jon Aramburu brought the visitors back on level terms with a clinical finish.
The Spanish side created several dangerous opportunities throughout the remainder of the first half and tested Chelsea’s defense, which looked vulnerable at times. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez proved vital by denying a one-on-one situation after defender Maxence Lacroix was dribbled past.
Chelsea restored their lead early in the second half when João Pedro headed home at the near post from a high cross delivered by Reece James.
Pedro scores Chelsea’s third
Chelsea dominated the tempo following the goal, and João Pedro sealed the victory by scoring his second goal of the match in the final twenty minutes before Xabi Alonso made several tactical substitutions.
The match wrapped up a bustling six-game preseason tour across Australia, Asia, and Europe for Chelsea.
The Blues opened their campaign with a 6-4 victory against Western Sydney Wanderers before suffering consecutive defeats against Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-1 loss and Juventus in a 1-0 setback.
Alonso’s side bounced back with a convincing 3-0 win against AC Milan before being held to a 3-3 draw against Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta’zim, ultimately concluding their preseason preparation with the huge win.
Starting XI: Robert Sánchez (GK); Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana; Marc Palestra, Reece James (C); Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer; Morgan Rogers, João Pedro.
