Chelsea vs Real Sociedad

Chelsea closed out their pre-season campaign in style, beating Real Sociedad 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in what doubled as Xabi Alonso's first taste of the Bridge as the club's new manager. It was a lively, back-and-forth friendly that the hosts eventually pulled away with thanks to a second-half burst from their new number nine. Morgan Rogers got things going early, finishing in the 11th minute to give Chelsea the lead, but Real Sociedad hit back through Jon Aramburu right on the stroke of half-time to level things at 1-1. The game turned firmly Chelsea's way after the break as João Pedro struck twice in the space of 30 minutes, netting in the 47th and 77th, to complete the turnaround. No cards or penalties disrupted the contest. For Chelsea, it's a promising send-off into the new season, with fresh faces like Rogers and Jordan Henderson getting minutes before the Fulham opener on August 24. For Real Sociedad, already stumbling through a rough pre-season, it's another defeat to digest before their own campaign gets underway.