Pedro Hat-Trick Lifts Chelsea To 6-4 Win In Alonso’s Debut

Xabi Alonso began his Chelsea tenure with a wild 6-4 victory over Western Sydney Wanderers on Tuesday, as Joao Pedro scored a nine-minute hat-trick late to seal the win.

The former Real Madrid boss, without most of his stars on the pre-season tour, fielded a youth-heavy side at Stadium Australia. Chelsea trailed three times before Pedro’s heroics rescued the match.

Kazakh teen Dastan Satpaev scored on his debut, but defensive lapses allowed the Wanderers to lead 2-1, then 3-2 and 4-3 in the second half. Portugal’s Dario Essugo and Pedro’s treble ensured the win.

Alonso faces a tougher test Saturday against Tottenham. Chelsea have signed four players this summer, though only defender Marco Palestra is on tour.