Chelsea beat Real Sociedad 3-1 but Fernandez boos outshadows Rogers and Pedro brilliance

João Pedro continues his ridiculous form with a 𝘽𝙍𝘼𝘾𝙀, making it 7 goals in 5 pre-season games

Enzo Fernandez returned to Stamford Bridge to a divided reception as Chelsea beat Real Sociedad 3-1 in their final pre-season fixture, but the result was overshadowed by the Argentine midfielder’s fraught relationship with his own supporters, according to BBC Sport.

Fernandez, who had publicly pushed for a move to Real Madrid before the Spanish club withdrew their interest, was booed when his name was announced 45 minutes before kick-off. Chelsea’s stadium announcer notably opted against reading out the substitutes’ names shortly before kick-off. Audible boos greeted Fernandez’s 62nd-minute introduction, though other supporters responded by chanting his name — each touch thereafter met with a fractious mix of jeers and cheers.

Chelsea’s backing for Fernandez was clear, however. When captain Reece James departed, he handed Fernandez the armband as usual. Manager Xabi Alonso fielded him despite Chelsea’s self-imposed transfer deadline passing Friday with Manchester City failing to meet the club’s £120 million valuation.

Morgan Rogers scored on debut while Joao Pedro continued his rich pre-season form with a brace. Fernandez’s future at Stamford Bridge — and his relationship with the Stamford Bridge faithful — remains unresolved heading into the new season.