For a third straight match, Chelsea started with a back three, replicating Alonso's successful 3-4-3 system from his time at Bayer Leverkusen when they won the Bundesliga in 2024, as British-record signing Morgan Rogers and defender Maxence Lacroix both made their debuts.
However, despite Rogers netting a tap-in within just 10 minutes, Chelsea laboured in the first-half, sitting too deep and unable to press their LaLiga opponents, who deservedly equalised before half-time through Jon Mikel Aramburu's brilliant volley after forcing goalkeeper Robert Sanchez into several saves.
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But Alonso sent his side out unchanged after the break and they were much improved, Joao Pedro heading in from Reece James' cross just two minutes into the half before the striker netted his seventh of pre-season late on with a tidy finish.
Enzo Fernandez, though, added to Chelsea's mixed afternoon when his introduction as a 62nd-minute substitute was met by boos from some supporters following his transfer links with Manchester City, but also cheers from others who sang his name.
More to follow...
The key talking points from Stamford Bridge
- Xabi Alonso deploys a 3-4-3 formation for a third successive match.
- Morgan Rogers scores 10 minutes into his Chelsea debut after £117m move.
- Marco Palestra struggles at left-wing back amid Chelsea's poor first-half performance.
- Chelsea improve in the second half with Joao Pedro scoring twice but is their only recognised striker.
- Enzo Fernandez comes on to boos and cheers from home supporters after Man City links.
What's next?
Chelsea's Premier League campaign begins at Fulham in the first Monday Night Football of the season at 8pm on August 24, live on Sky Sports.
Chelsea's pre-season results
July 28: Chelsea 6-4 Western Sydney Wanderers - Sydney
August 1: Chelsea 1-2 Tottenham - Sydney
August 5: Chelsea 0-1 Juventus - Hong Kong
August 8: Chelsea 3-0 AC Milan - Jakarta
August 9: Johor Darul Ta'zim 3-3 Chelsea - Johor
August 15: Chelsea vs Real Sociedad - Stamford Bridge
