Chelsea wrapped up their pre-season programme with a 3-1 home victory over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, though manager Xabi Alonso will be aware there is still plenty of work to do before the Premier League opener against Fulham on August 24.

Alonso's 3-4-3 takes shape

For the third successive match, Alonso lined his side up with a back three, drawing directly on the 3-4-3 system he deployed at Bayer Leverkusen — the formation that helped them win the Bundesliga in 2024. Both British-record signing Morgan Rogers and defender Maxence Lacroix made their debuts from the start.

The opening period was far from convincing. Chelsea sat deep and struggled to press Real Sociedad with any consistency, allowing their LaLiga opponents to control long stretches of the half. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was called into action on several occasions before Jon Mikel Aramburu punished Chelsea with a brilliant volley to level at 1-1 just before the break — a deserved equaliser for the visitors.

Rogers, at least, had given Chelsea the lead in the 11th minute, tapping in from close range in what was a fine start to life at Stamford Bridge after his £117 million move.

Pedro's double lifts Chelsea

Alonso made no changes at half-time and was rewarded with a much-improved second-half display. Joao Pedro restored Chelsea's advantage just two minutes after the restart, heading home from a Reece James cross to make it 2-1. The striker then sealed the win late on with a composed finish — his seventh goal of pre-season — to wrap up a 3-1 scoreline.

Left-wing back Marco Palestra had struggled during the difficult first half, underlining that there remain areas Alonso must address before the season begins in earnest.

Mixed reception for Fernandez

The afternoon's most talked-about moment came when Enzo Fernandez entered the pitch as a substitute in the 62nd minute. The midfielder was met by a chorus of boos from a section of supporters, reportedly linked to speculation connecting him with a move to Manchester City. Yet other fans in the ground cheered and sang his name, creating a divided atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they travel to Fulham on August 24 for the first Monday Night Football of the new season.