Chelsea’s Argentinian midfielder #08 Enzo Fernandez celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on May 4, 2025. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)
Chelsea bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League with a 3-1 win as Liverpool suffered a Premier League title hangover at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Enzo Maresca’s side took the lead through Enzo Fernandez’s early strike at Stamford Bridge.
Jarell Quansah’s second-half own goal was followed by Virgil van Dijk’s late reply for Liverpool.
Cole Palmer’s stoppage-time penalty condemned the champions to only their third league defeat this season.
While lacklustre Liverpool had little to play for after winning a record-equalling 20th English crown with a 5-1 rout of Tottenham last weekend, Chelsea had every incentive to secure a priceless three points.
Hoping to return to the Champions League via a top-five finish, the Blues sit in fifth place, level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle after their 1-1 draw at Brighton earlier on Sunday.
Sixth-placed Nottingham Forest will join Chelsea and Newcastle on 63 points if they beat Crystal Palace on Monday.
Third-placed Manchester City are only one point clear of Chelsea and, with three games left, the top five battle is set for a thrilling finale.
Chelsea are back in action in the UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens on Thursday, with the Blues holding a 4-1 lead that should be enough to send them to the first final of Maresca’s reign.
Liverpool’s only other league losses in a triumphant campaign came against Nottingham Forest in September and at Fulham in April.
On another fruitless trip to west London, Arne Slot’s men played as though the title party had left them groggy.
