João Pedro scores after 32 seconds — winning start for Xabi Alonso's Chelsea
Chelsea beat Fulham 3-2 away as João Pedro scored inside the first minute in Xabi Alonso's winning debut.
João Pedro's lightning strike after just 32 seconds set the tone as Xabi Alonso's Chelsea opened his tenure with a 3-2 away win at Fulham on 24.08.2026. The victory left the former European champions with three points on the opening matchday of Alonso's spell in charge.
Chelsea took the lead almost immediately when João Pedro finished inside the opening minute, giving the visitors early control of the game.
Late first-half swing and an early second-half blow
Fulham responded through King in the 23rd minute to level the score at 1-1, but Rodgers restored Chelsea's advantage right at the end of the first half to make it 1-2 going into the break.
Almost immediately after the restart Cole Palmer extended the lead to 1-3 for Chelsea, but Garcia pulled one back in the 54th minute to make the score 2-3 and set up a nervy finish.
Both sides had chances before the final whistle, yet Chelsea held on to claim the three points and hand Xabi Alonso a winning start as head coach. The match finished 2:3 in favour of the visitors.
Match details: Fulham 2–3 Chelsea. Scorers: João Pedro (32"), King (23'), Rodgers (late first half), Cole Palmer (early second half), Garcia (54').
24.08.2026 23:17 — Zoran Gjorshoski
Photo: press material from the event
