Chelsea reignited their push for Champions League qualification with an impressive 3-1 victory over newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Goals from Enzo Fernandez, a Jarell Quansah own goal, and a late Cole Palmer penalty sealed the win for Enzo Maresca’s side, who are now level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle and firmly in the race for a top-five finish.
Liverpool, coming off their emphatic title-clinching 5-1 win over Tottenham last weekend, showed signs of complacency and fatigue, despite receiving a guard of honour from the Chelsea players before kick-off — a gesture that received a mixed reaction from the home fans.
Chelsea struck early, taking the lead in just the third minute when Pedro Neto’s pinpoint cross found an unmarked Fernandez, who slotted past Alisson Becker to set the tone for the match.
The Blues continued to dominate, hitting the woodwork twice and forcing several saves from Liverpool’s defence. Their pressure paid off in the 56th minute with a bizarre own goal from Quansah, whose attempt to clear a deflected pass rebounded off him into the net.
Liverpool pulled one back in the 85th minute when Virgil van Dijk rose to head in from a Mac Allister corner. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo in stoppage time, allowing Palmer to convert from the spot — his first goal since January.
The defeat marked only Liverpool’s third league loss this season, and while their title is already secured, the performance raised questions about squad depth and focus in the post-title run.
Chelsea now turn their attention to Thursday’s UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens, where they hold a commanding 4-1 lead. With just three league matches remaining, the Blues’ resurgence comes at a crucial time as they aim for a return to Europe’s elite competition.
The result also keeps the top-five race wide open, with Chelsea, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest — who play Crystal Palace on Monday — all vying for a Champions League berth in a tense season finale.
