Football

Chelsea began the Xabi Alonso era with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage. Joao Pedro gave the Blues a dream start, scoring after just 32 seconds, but Josh King levelled for Fulham in the 23rd minute. Chelsea regained the lead before half-time when debutant Morgan Rogers found the net, before Cole Palmer made it 3-1 early in the second half. Fulham refused to give up, however, as Gonzalo Garcia marked his league debut with a goal to cut the deficit. The hosts pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Chelsea held firm to secure all three points in Alonso’s first competitive match in charge.

FC Barcelona began their La Liga 2026-27 campaign in dominant fashion, cruising to a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Elche at the Estadio Martínez Valero. Captain Raphinha set the tone early, converting a 14th-minute penalty after being fouled inside the box. New signing Karim Adeyemi marked his debut in style just before the interval, latching onto a pass from Raphinha to double the visitor's advantage. The second half continued similarly as Hansi Flick's side capitalized on their attacking depth. Raphinha netted his second of the night in the 67th minute from an assist by substitute Anthony Gordon. Super-sub Fermín López then took over, rounding off the night with a quick-fire double in the 71st and 79th minutes to seal a five-star opening display.