New Delhi: Chelsea handed recently crowned champions Liverpool a stinging 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, a result that significantly boosts the Blues’ hopes of a top-four Premier League finish. From the opening whistle, Maresca’s men were sharper, more urgent, and looked like the side with everything to play for.
The hosts didn’t waste time asserting themselves, as within two minutes and 33 seconds into the match, captain Enzo Fernandez found the back of the net, tucking away Neto’s well-placed cross past Alisson. Liverpool, perhaps still riding high from their title celebrations, seemed hopeful but were caught off guard by Chelsea’s early intent.
That win is massive! 🔵#CFC | #CHELIV pic.twitter.com/c00qstW6BW
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 4, 2025
After grabbing the lead, the Blues dropped deeper and allowed Liverpool more possession, choosing instead to wait for moments to hit on the counter. Though the Reds hold the possession but their attack faltered due to sloppy touches and indecision, with Mohamed Salah notably off the pace. They managed just a single shot on target in the opening half, while Neto nearly doubled Chelsea’s lead shortly before the break, only to hit the side-netting.
Second half drama unfolds
In the second half, Van Dijk’s misfortune compounded Liverpool’s problems. Attempting to clear a dangerous ball, the defender inadvertently struck Quansah, sending the ball into their own net just 11 minutes after the restart. That moment gave Chelsea a two-goal cushion and left Liverpool scrambling.
The goal finally jolted Liverpool into action. Van Dijk, Darwin Nunez, and Salah all saw chances fall their way but a mix of wasteful finishing and strong Chelsea defending kept the scoreline intact. Van Dijk did pull one back with a well-placed header from a corner in the 85th minute, raising hopes of a late comeback.
However, in the dying moments of added time, Szoboszlai’s loose pass under pressure led to Quansah conceding a penalty. Cole Palmer stepped up with composure and buried it into the corner, sealing the win and easing the Blues’ nerves.
The result gives Chelsea their third straight Premier League victory and moves them level on points with Newcastle in fourth place. They now turn their focus to a Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden on Thursday before a pivotal showdown with the Magpies. For Liverpool, the loss is inconsequential to their title status but serves as a sobering reminder that their standards must remain high with Arsenal looming on the horizon.
Chelsea dent Liverpool’s momentum at Stamford Bridge, strengthening their Champions League push with a dominant and clinical display. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
