LONDON (United Kingdom): Chelsea boosted their hopes of Champions League qualification with a crucial 3-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Enzo Fernandez gave the Blues an early lead, before a second-half own goal by Jarell Quansah and a stoppage-time penalty from Cole Palmer secured all three points.
Virgil van Dijk briefly gave Liverpool hope with a late goal, but the newly crowned champions, fresh off a 5-1 title-clinching win over Tottenham, appeared lacklustre with little at stake.
In contrast, Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, were highly motivated as they moved into fifth place, level on points with Newcastle.
With just three games remaining, the race for a top-five finish—and Champions League qualification—promises to be intense.
Maresca hailed the win as a vital step in the club’s ambition to return to Europe’s top competition and compete for even greater honours in the future.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s miserable league form continued as they suffered a 4-3 defeat at Brentford, extending their winless run to six matches.
Mason Mount gave United an early lead, but their defensive frailties were exposed again as Brentford struck back through a Luke Shaw own goal and a Kevin Schade header.
Manager Ruben Amorim, focused on United’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, rotated key players, including Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, and Casemiro.
Despite the changes, United’s vulnerability at the back proved costly, leaving them languishing in 15th place in the Premier League as their forgettable domestic campaign drags on. – AFP