Gonzalo Garcia scores on his Premier League debut… against Xabi Alonso

24.08.26 FT English Premier League

Fulham

2

:

Chelsea

3

Gonzalo Garcia made a stunning Premier League debut for Fulham. In his first official appearance in the English top flight under Raúl, the Spanish striker found the net against Xabi Alonso's Chelsea—his former mentor—but his goal wasn't enough to save the Cottagers from defeat (2-3).He joined Fulham this summer.

Thrown into an action-packed encounter, Gonzalo Garcia wasted no time in making his mark for Fulham. The Spaniard pulled one back with his team's second goal, giving the Londoners hope at 2-3.

The goal came after yet another mistake from Robert Sánchez. The Chelsea goalkeeper parried an initial shot straight into Garcia's path, and the striker nodded the rebound home from close range. The goal reignited Fulham's hopes, but ultimately wasn't enough to rescue a draw for the hosts.

A goal that echoes his history with Xabi Alonso

This goal holds special significance for Gonzalo Garcia. The young forward has already been involved in two major moments in Xabi Alonso's career.

Garcia scored the first goal of Alonso's era at Real Madrid. Now, just months later, he's found the net against Alonso in his own Premier League debut with Chelsea. It's an unlikely twist linking the player and the coach who guided his early years at the top level.

Promising debut despite defeat

After breaking through under Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid, Gonzalo Garcia opted to continue his development in England. Although his Fulham debut didn't yield the desired result, his clinical finishing is already a cause for optimism.

In his very first match in the English league, the Spaniard immediately made an impact. In a league as demanding as the Premier League, scoring on debut is always an encouraging sign for what's to come.

Chelsea, on the other hand, walk away with all three points after withstanding Fulham's comeback. For Garcia, however, this night will be remembered for his first goal in new colours—and for that strange coincidence: scoring in both of Xabi Alonso's major milestones, first with him, then against him.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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English Premier League