Arbeloa loses as Gonzalo and Palacios make Fulham debut

Fulham under Álvaro Arbeloa fell 1-2 to Crystal Palace in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their training ground, according to Mundo Deportivo. The match marked the debut of Gonzalo García and César Palacios, both signings from Real Madrid announced last Monday.

Arbeloa started both players, who showed promise in a dominant first half for the Cottagers. Fulham went ahead through Antonee Robinson in the third minute, but Gonzalo García had at least three clear chances before the break: two shots saved by Walter Benítez and a header that went over. Palacios meanwhile struck the woodwork with a powerful effort.

Palace equalized through Ismaïla Sarr from a corner and settled it with Matheus França in the second half (1-2). Gonzalo had another chance before being substituted in the 72nd minute, as did Palacios, but neither found the goal that would have earned a deserved draw. Fulham face Málaga in a friendly on Wednesday in the Costa del Sol Trophy.