Perfect start for Xabi Alonso as Chelsea coach

The "Blues" win their opening match of the 1st round against FC Fulham. It is also a duel between two former Real Madrid coaches.

Source text: © LAOLA1

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Last season, Alvaro Arbeloa replaced Xabi Alonso as Real Madrid coach - a few months later, the two face each other in the Premier League.

Alonso comes out on top: His FC Chelsea wins their opening match of the 1st round in the Premier League against Arbeloa's FC Fulham with a 3:2 scoreline.

The "Blues" have a perfect start to the match. Pedro capitalizes on a lapse in the Fulham defense, coolly slotting home the opening goal after just 31 seconds (1').

Fulham fights back

Fulham, who had significantly more possession, managed to recover from that. King scores the equalizer (1:1) after an assist from Castagne (23'). Chelsea, however, came back with a quickfire double from newcomer Rogers (41') and star player Palmer (49') just before and after the break.

Just five minutes later, former Real striker Garcia scores to make it 2:3 (54'). The score remains, even though Fulham pressed for the equalizer.

For Alonso, the away win is the perfect start to his Premier League career, while Arbeloa, on the other hand, cannot celebrate any points in the home game despite a strong performance from his team.