Chelsea beat Liverpool 3-1 to boost top-five chances

Chelsea boosted their chances for next season's Champions League. They won against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool recently became the Premier League champions.

Liverpool's coach, Arne Slot, made six changes to the lineup. This led to a lack of intensity until late in the game. Chelsea honored Liverpool with a guard of honour before kick-off.

Chelsea's win puts them level on points with Newcastle United. They trail Newcastle only on goal difference. The two teams will meet next Sunday at St James' Park.

Enzo Fernandez scored early for Chelsea, just three minutes in. He timed his run perfectly to finish Pedro Neto's cross.

Chelsea doubled their lead after 56 minutes. Cole Palmer’s run caused confusion in the Liverpool box. Virgil van Dijk accidentally scored an own goal while trying to clear.

Liverpool had chances to respond but missed key opportunities. Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah both failed to score in front of their fans celebrating the title win.

Palmer hit the post late in the match. Van Dijk then scored with a header five minutes from time, bringing Liverpool closer.

In the final moments, Palmer secured Chelsea's victory with a penalty kick. Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo, leading to the penalty decision.