Chelsea Strengthens Champions League Bid with 3-1 Victory Over Liverpool

Chelsea boosted their Champions League hopes with a decisive 3-1 win over Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. A first-half strike from Enzo Fernandez, an own-goal by Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah, and a stoppage-time penalty from Cole Palmer sealed the victory for the Blues.

The result lifts Chelsea to fifth place in the Premier League standings with 63 points, level with fourth-placed Newcastle but trailing only on goal difference. Both sides are just one point behind third-place Manchester City, with three matches left in the campaign.

Chelsea wasted no time asserting their dominance, breaking the deadlock inside the first three minutes. Cole Palmer found space and played in Neto, whose precise cut-back was met by Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder made no mistake, driving a low shot into the net for an early lead.

The second goal came through a mix of fortune and pressure. Palmer, again at the heart of the move, clipped a ball into the box, prompting Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to intervene. His attempted clearance ricocheted off teammate Jarell Quansah and past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, giving Chelsea a two-goal cushion.

Van Dijk, who later found the net for Liverpool in the 84th minute with a powerful header from a corner, admitted the result was fair. “There were chances for us to score—in the end they deserve the win,” he said.

Liverpool, already crowned champions last weekend, made six changes to their starting lineup. Despite a late surge, their rotated squad struggled to contain Chelsea’s aggressive play.

Chelsea capped off their performance deep into injury time when Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo in the box. Palmer, ending a goal drought that stretched back to mid-January, confidently converted the penalty to seal the result.

“I think we did well, the team showed character,” Caicedo told Sky Sports. “We are happy that we won this game. (Palmer) deserves it. He is working hard to get goals. Now was his opportunity and he scored.”

With the top four race heating up, Chelsea’s convincing performance sends a strong message. Enzo Maresca’s side will look to maintain their momentum as they eye a return to Europe’s premier competition.