Xabi Alonso, who was the head coach of Real Madrid from mid-2025, will be in charge of Chelsea, while Álvaro Arbeloa, who was a player for Real Madrid from 2009 to 2016 and won eight titles with the club, including two Champions League titles, will be leading Fulham. This Premier League clash has generated a lot of interest, especially in Spain, as both coaches have a strong connection to Real Madrid.
Both coaches had a mixed time at Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso directed 34 games, winning 24, drawing four, and losing six. Álvaro Arbeloa, who was previously in charge of Real Madrid's youth teams, managed 28 games, winning only 18. Before becoming the head coach of the first team, Arbeloa was a player for Real Madrid, where he won numerous titles, including two Champions League titles and the 2014 Club World Cup.
The match between Chelsea and Fulham is scheduled to take place on August 24, 2026, at 16:00 Argentina time.