Two ex-Real Madrid managers meet as Alonso's Chelsea open at Arbeloa's Fulham

Xabi Alonso began his first full Premier League campaign with Chelsea at Craven Cottage on 24 August 2026, facing Fulham's Álvaro Arbeloa — both former Real Madrid men. The west London derby, an 8pm kick-off closing the opening round, pitted Chelsea's recovery from a 10th-place finish against a Fulham side mid-table for four straight seasons.