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15 August 2026

Joao Pedro continued his superb pre-season form with a second-half brace as Chelsea signed off from their summer friendlies with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad.

Morgan Rogers got on the scoresheet on his Chelsea debut, but it was Joao Pedro who ultimately drove the Blues to victory against Real Sociedad in their last pre-season outing.

Enzo Fernandez, who was initially booed, then received a mixed response on his return to action less than 24 hours after the deadline passed for a possible summer transfer, while Xabi Alonso gave game time to several of his summer arrivals.

Rogers, who had to wait to begin his Chelsea career following his record-breaking £116million move from Aston Villa last month because of the World Cup, made an immediate impact by opening his account for the club.

After Alex Remiro had pushed away a header from Joao Pedro, Rogers reacted quickest to convert the rebound with a simple tap-in, putting Chelsea ahead inside the first 11 minutes.

Chelsea could not turn their early control into a bigger advantage and had Robert Sanchez to thank for two outstanding saves that kept them in front, although the Spaniard had no chance when Jon Aramburu levelled for Sociedad.

The Sociedad defender struck the ball beautifully to send a superb volley in right on the stroke of half-time.

Just a couple of minutes after the restart, the home side were back in front as Reece James was given far too much time and space on the edge of the box. He picked out Joao Pedro at the back post, and the Brazilian powered in a header that gave Remiro no opportunity.

A wave of substitutions followed soon after, including the introduction of Fernandez, but Joao Pedro put the result beyond doubt when he ran onto Malo Gusto’s through ball and finished neatly after some questionable goalkeeping from Remiro.

There was still time for Pep Chavarria to receive a warm reception on his Chelsea debut before attention now shifts to the start of the Premier League season, with Chelsea due to face west London rivals Fulham away from home a week on Monday.