Chelsea boosted their hopes of Champions League qualification with a commanding 3-1 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Liverpool, crowned champions for a record-equalling 20th time after last weekend’s emphatic 5-1 win over Tottenham, looked off the pace in west London, showing signs of a title hangover. With little left to play for, Arne Slot rotated his squad, resting several key players including Luis Diaz and Alexis Mac Allister — a decision that may frustrate Liverpool’s top-five rivals.
The Blues, by contrast, had everything to play for. Now level on 63 points with fourth-placed Newcastle, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton earlier in the day, Chelsea sit fifth with three league games remaining. Sixth-placed Nottingham Forest could join them on points if they defeat Crystal Palace on Monday, while third-placed Manchester City remain just one point ahead in a congested race for Champions League spots.
Chelsea struck early, with Enzo Fernandez converting Pedro Neto’s cross in the third minute as Liverpool’s defence faltered. Noni Madueke came close moments later, narrowly missing the far post after a dazzling run.
The home side dominated the first half, with Nicolas Jackson hitting the crossbar and Neto narrowly firing wide. Chelsea doubled their lead in the 27th minute when a defensive mix-up saw Virgil van Dijk’s clearance ricochet off Jarell Quansah and into the Liverpool net.
Though Liverpool pulled one back, Chelsea restored their two-goal cushion late on after Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo in the area. Cole Palmer stepped up to convert the penalty, marking his first goal since January.
Despite receiving a pre-match guard of honour from Chelsea players, Liverpool endured a forgettable afternoon. While their supporters celebrated the league title in the stands, their team failed to deliver on the pitch, slumping to just their third league defeat of the campaign.
Chelsea will return to action in the UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens on Thursday, taking a 4-1 lead into the tie as they aim for their first final under manager Enzo Maresca.
