Chelsea sinks Liverpool days after title party

Chelsea delivered a statement win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, defeating newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 in a match that showcased the hunger of a team still fighting for Champions League qualification. Despite Liverpool’s celebratory mood following their recent title triumph, Chelsea made clear they had no intention of handing out favors.

Chelsea starts fast, Liverpool caught cold

Before kickoff, Liverpool’s players, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, received a traditional guard of honor from Chelsea, recognizing their championship. But once the match began, Chelsea wasted no time shifting the tone. Just under three minutes into the game, Chelsea took the lead when Enzo Fernández, set up by Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto, found the net to make it 1-0. Liverpool, perhaps still shaking off their post-title euphoria, looked sluggish and struggled to match Chelsea’s intensity.

Palmer’s pressure leads to second goal

Chelsea, battling with five other clubs for the remaining Champions League spots, knew they needed more than just a slender lead. In the 56th minute, a moment of defensive chaos doubled their advantage. Kostas Tsimikas was easily beaten by Palmer, whose cross led to Van Dijk’s attempted clearance ricocheting off teammate Jarell Quansah and into Liverpool’s own net. Despite Liverpool’s attempts to rally, Chelsea kept pressing and created two clear chances for Palmer and substitute Jadon Sancho, but both missed the chance to make it 3-0.

Van Dijk responds, but Chelsea seals it late

Van Dijk redeemed himself partially in the 85th minute by heading in a corner from Alexis Mac Allister, pulling Liverpool back to 2-1. But Chelsea would have the final word. Deep into stoppage time, Palmer converted a penalty after a foul by Quansah, ending his personal 18-match goal drought and sealing the 3-1 win.

Champions League race heats up

The win lifts Chelsea to fifth place with 63 points, three clear of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. Due to England’s strong European results this season, fifth place now secures a Champions League spot, keeping Chelsea firmly in the hunt. While the Chelsea fans erupted in celebration at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool’s supporters in the away end kept the party spirit alive, singing songs, including new chants about upcoming manager Arne Slot, even as the final whistle confirmed their team’s rare defeat.

Looking ahead

Chelsea’s strong finish comes at a crucial moment as they prepare for a likely Conference League final showdown later this month, where they’ll face either Fiorentina or Real Betis. For Liverpool, this match served as a reminder that with three league games left, they’ll need to balance celebration with focus before lifting the trophy at Anfield. With the Premier League season entering its final weeks, Chelsea’s top-four push and Liverpool’s quest to finish on a high promises plenty more drama.