Chelsea defeats Liverpool 3-1, boosts UCL hopes

Chelsea significantly boosted their Champions League qualification hopes with a 3-1 victory over newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring early, and a second-half own goal by Liverpool's Jarell Quansah extended Chelsea's lead. Virgil van Dijk pulled one back for Liverpool, but Cole Palmer sealed the win with a stoppage-time penalty after Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo. The win put Chelsea level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle, intensifying the race for a top-five finish. Liverpool, having already secured the title, fielded a rotated squad and appeared lackluster following their recent celebrations. The result maintains Chelsea's momentum as they also prepare for a UEFA Conference League semi-final second leg.