Chelsea boosted their top-four hopes as they dispatched the new Premier League champions Liverpool with a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2025. The Blues, applauded by their fans as they took the pitch, had reason to celebrate early when Enzo Fernández opened the scoring just three minutes into the match. The Argentine midfielder converted a low cross from Pedro Neto, showcasing Chelsea's attacking synergy and ability to exploit quick transitions.
Despite Liverpool's dominance in possession, holding 75% of the ball, Chelsea's tactical discipline allowed them to create more dangerous opportunities. The match was pivotal for Chelsea, who are aiming for a top-five finish and a return to the Champions League next season.
As the game progressed, Chelsea's defense stood firm against Liverpool's attempts to break through, with Robert Sánchez making crucial saves against shots from Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo. Chelsea's high pressing, led by Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, stifled Liverpool's rhythm, forcing them into mistakes.
In the 56th minute, Chelsea doubled their lead when a clearance attempt by Virgil van Dijk deflected off Jarell Quansah and into the Liverpool net, marking an unfortunate own goal. The tension escalated in the closing minutes when Van Dijk redeemed himself by scoring a header from an Alexis Mac Allister corner in the 85th minute, giving Liverpool a glimmer of hope.
However, Chelsea sealed the victory deep into injury time when Cole Palmer converted a penalty after Moisés Caicedo was tripped by Quansah in the area. Palmer's goal, his first in three months, capped off a stellar performance and secured all three points for Chelsea.
“I just felt normal. Obviously, it happens, I went three months without scoring but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team,” Palmer said after the match. “When you have got him [Moisés Caicedo] in front of you, it’s a dream. From the start of the season, he has been our best player.”
This victory marked Chelsea's first win over Liverpool since March 2021, ending a streak of 10 matches without a victory against the Reds. The result moves Chelsea level on points with Newcastle, who drew 1-1 with Brighton earlier that day, intensifying the race for Champions League qualification.
With only three matches remaining in the season, every point is crucial for Chelsea as they strive to secure a top-four finish. They currently sit fifth in the Premier League with 63 points, just ahead of Nottingham Forest, who could also level up with a win against Crystal Palace in their upcoming match.
As the final whistle blew, the Chelsea fans erupted in celebration, knowing their team had taken a significant step towards their Champions League ambitions. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge reflected the importance of the match, with the home crowd lifting the players through the final minutes.
In the end, Chelsea's tactical approach, combined with the individual brilliance of players like Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer, proved decisive against a Liverpool side that had already clinched the title but was looking to finish the season on a high note.
As the Premier League season heads into its final stretch, the battle for Champions League spots is heating up, with Chelsea now firmly in contention after their impressive victory over the champions.
With the stakes this high, fans can expect more thrilling encounters as teams vie for top honors in the closing weeks of the season.
Stay tuned for more updates as Chelsea continues their quest for Champions League football next season.
