Debutant Morgan Rogers and Brazilian forward João Pedro were both on the scoresheet as Chelsea recorded a hard-fought pre-season victory over Real Sociedad at Stamford Bridge.
Rogers made an immediate impression inside the opening 10 minutes to hand the hosts an early advantage. Pedro saw a header parried by goalkeeper Álex Remiro, allowing the debutant to react sharply and sweep in the rebound.
The Spanish visitors responded proactively to the early setback and carved out opportunities to restore parity before the break. Ander Herrera and Takefusa Kubo both threatened the Chelsea goal, though neither could convert their chances.
Real Sociedad's persistence was rewarded on the stroke of half-time when defender Jon Aramburu struck cleanly. His timely finish ensured the La Liga side headed into the interval on level terms.
Chelsea regained the lead almost immediately after the restart courtesy of a clinical team move. Club captain Reece James supplied a precise cross for Pedro, who guided a composed finish into the net.
The Blues established control in the second period, dominating possession through midfield stability. Moisés Caicedo and Levi Colwill demonstrated exceptional passing accuracy to consistently snuff out potential counter-attacks.
Kubo remained the primary creative outlet for the visiting side in search of another equaliser. However, the Japanese attacker found himself closely marshalled by a disciplined Chelsea backline.
Chelsea managed the final stages with commendable composure, maintaining defensive solidity to secure a positive pre-season result in front of their home supporters at Stamford Bridge.
The friendly exercise offered plenty of encouraging signs for the London club as several players integrated smoothly into the tactical framework ahead of upcoming competitive action.
