Chelsea reignited their Champions League hopes with a 3–1 win over newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, thanks to a sharp start, a standout display from Cole Palmer, and a touch of luck in a crucial match for Enzo Maresca’s side.
With Liverpool fresh off their title-clinching win against Tottenham, Arne Slot made six changes to his line-up, and it showed. The visitors lacked their usual intensity for most of the match and found themselves behind almost immediately. Chelsea, on the other hand, came out flying. After giving Liverpool a guard of honour before kick-off, the hosts struck in just the third minute when Enzo Fernández timed his run perfectly to guide Pedro Neto’s cross into the net.
Palmer Inspires as Blues Take Control
Chelsea maintained their grip on the game and doubled their lead early in the second half. Cole Palmer, returning to form after a goal drought stretching back to January, made a driving run that caused chaos in the Liverpool box. As Virgil van Dijk attempted to clear the danger, he inadvertently smashed the ball against his teammate Jarell Quansah, sending it ricocheting into the Liverpool net for an unfortunate own goal.
Liverpool did eventually respond, but not before missing two golden chances. Substitutes Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah both spurned one-on-one opportunities that could have changed the momentum. Van Dijk did manage to pull one back with a thumping header in the 85th minute, but any hopes of a comeback were crushed when Quansah fouled Moisés Caicedo in stoppage time. Palmer stepped up and calmly converted the penalty, ending his 18-match goalless streak and sealing Chelsea’s vital win.
Top Four Race Tightens as Chelsea Rise, Reds Reflect
Palmer’s influence was felt throughout the game. Not only did he play a role in all three of Chelsea’s goals, but he also came agonisingly close to scoring from open play after turning Alisson inside out and striking the post from a tight angle. With his confidence seemingly restored, Palmer’s performance could not have come at a better time as Chelsea prepare for a massive clash with Newcastle next weekend — a game that may decide who finishes in the top four.
For Liverpool, this match always looked like a potential hangover fixture following the high of their 20th league title. The Reds were slow out of the blocks and only began to show signs of life after going two goals behind. Despite the loss, the travelling fans remained in full voice throughout, proudly waving banners and celebrating their team’s incredible season. With the trophy presentation at Anfield on the final day still to come, there was no dampening their spirits.
While the result will not impact Liverpool’s place at the top, it has huge implications for Chelsea, who now sit level on points with Newcastle. Only goal difference separates the two sides going into what promises to be a decisive showdown at St James’ Park. Chelsea’s late-season push for a Champions League place is well and truly alive — and with Palmer finding his form again, they have every reason to believe.
