Chelsea 3-1 Real Sociedad in final pre-season friendly at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea beat Real Sociedad 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in their final pre-season game ahead of the new season. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring in the ninth minute and Joao Pedro added a brace after Jon Aramburu levelled late in the first half for the Copa del Rey champions.
Xabi Alonso’s side appeared more organised than in earlier friendlies, setting up in a 3-4-3 that took the shape of a 4-2-3-1 as the match progressed. Chelsea had struggled with ball control and defensive cohesion in earlier pre-season matches, but the arrival of World Cup stars coincided with improved structure under Alonso. Morgan Rogers, the club’s record signing, began on the left wing in that system and was prominent in the opening stages.
The opening goal came after Joao Pedro’s attempt was saved and Rogers reacted quickly in the final third to score in nine minutes. Rogers played for around 60 minutes, created multiple chances and was a constant threat to the opponent’s defence during his time on the pitch.
Real Sociedad levelled in the final moments of the first half through Jon Aramburu, but they failed to control the game after the interval and conceded two further goals. Joao Pedro produced a brace to secure the win for Chelsea; all four of the shots by the 24-year-old were on target and he kept the opponent’s defence under pressure.
Despite the 3-1 scoreline, the Spanish side posed repeated threats and their midfield was described as their strongest suit, remaining calm and composed under pressure. Pellegrino Matarazzo will have several lessons to take from the performance, according to the match report.
Alonso selected a backline of Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill and new signing Maxence Lacroix; the trio did not give the ball away with ease and Lacroix, Fofana and Colwill performed really well despite conceding one goal.
The victory concludes Chelsea’s pre-season schedule with a win ahead of the new campaign, leaving the club to carry the momentum from Stamford Bridge into the start of the season.
