Chelsea vs Sociedad: Hits and misses as Enzo Fernandez gets booed at Stamford Bridge
By Luke Oluoch, August 15, 2026Chelsea FC’s preparations for the new season concluded on a positive note, with the London side dispatching La Liga outfit Real Sociedad 3-1 on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The encounter served as Chelsea’s final preseason fixture and marked Xabi Alonso’s first match in charge at Stamford Bridge. João Pedro stole the show with a second-half brace, while new signing Morgan Rogers also scored on his debut to cap off a winning rehearsal for the Blues.
Overall, Sociedad proved the dominant side, only failing on their conversion as a clinical Chelsea team emerged victorious.
Alonso returns to wingback system
Alonso lined up with Robert Sánchez in goal behind a central defensive trio of Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, and Wesley Fofana.
The Spanish tactician opted for a wing-back system reminiscent of the formation Antonio Conte utilised to win the Premier League title a decade ago, deploying summer arrival Marc Palestra on the left flank while club captain Reece James operated from the right.
In midfield, Moisés Caicedo partnered Cole Palmer to anchor the central zone.
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.
Rogers showed impressive glimpses of his goal threat and link-up play throughout his debut, combining well with Palmer in advanced areas. Real Sociedad responded shortly after through Jon Aramburu to bring the visitors level before the break.
Sanchez and Rogers shine
Chelsea’s backline looked vulnerable at times in the first half, but Robert Sánchez delivered an alert performance in goal. The Spanish shot-stopper produced two top-drawer saves to deny the La Liga side, including a crucial one-on-one stop to spare fellow new signing Maxence Lacroix after the defender was dribbled past.
Sánchez’s reassuring display staked a strong claim for him to retain the starting goalkeeper spot for the upcoming campaign under his compatriot.
Chelsea regained control early in the second half when João Pedro headed home a high cross from Reece James at the near post. The Brazilian forward then added his second of the match with twenty minutes remaining to seal the 3-1 victory.
Caicedo and Pedro, the spine of Chelsea
Alongside Moisés Caicedo, who marshalled the midfield with composure in the absence of Enzo Fernández, João Pedro demonstrated why he and Caicedo look set to form the central spine of Alonso’s new-look squad.
Enzo’s reception
A notable talking point arrived at the hour mark when Enzo Fernández entered the pitch as a substitute. The Argentine midfielder, heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, was met with loud boos from sections of his own home supporters.
Fernández has faced lingering backlash following Argentina’s elimination of England at the 2026 World Cup, and the Stamford Bridge crowd made their feelings clear amid ongoing transfer speculation surrounding his future.
The victory concludes a bustling six-match preseason tour across Australia, Asia, and Europe that provided Alonso with valuable insights into his squad’s strengths and weaknesses.
Chelsea will now finalise their tactical preparation as they turn their focus toward the opening fixture of the Premier League season, where their campaign gets underway against Fulham FC on Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Craven Cottage.