Chelsea boost Champions League hopes with win over Liverpool | OneFootball

Chelsea spoiled the party at Stamford Bridge with a big 3-1 win over Liverpool that keeps their Champions League hopes alive and kicking.

After Arne Slot's side already claimed the Premier League title last week, Chelsea turned up to ruin the party as the Blues still have it all to play for.

The hosts took the lead early on when Cole Palmer spun brilliantly in midfield and sent Pedro Neto racing down the right. His cutback found Enzo Fernández, who calmly slotted home inside three minutes.

While the Merseysiders dominated the ball, Chelsea’s defensive shape held firm, and they maintained a slim lead into the interval. A second-half own goal then shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.

Palmer’s cross sparked confusion at the back, as Virgil Van Dijk’s clearance struck Jarrell Quansah and deflected past Alisson to double Chelsea’s lead.

Van Dijk pulled one back for Liverpool with a thumping header from a corner, offering a brief lifeline at 2-1.

But any hopes of a comeback were dashed in stoppage time, as Palmer coolly slotted home a penalty after Moises Caicedo was brought down by Quansah.

The win puts Enzo Maresca’s side in control of their Champions League destiny, now just a point behind third-placed Manchester City with three matches left to play.