Liverpool and Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw at Anfield on Saturday, a result that leaves the Reds' Champions League qualification hopes still in the balance. Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a curling shot from outside the box that nestled into the top corner. However, Chelsea responded before halftime through Enzo Fernandez, whose long-range free kick took a deflection and ended up in the net untouched by any attacker.
The second half saw both teams push for a winner, but goals were disallowed by VAR. Cole Palmer had a strike ruled out for offside early in the half, and Liverpool's Curtis Jones also saw a goal chalked off for the same reason. Dominik Szoboszlai came closest for the Reds, hitting the post with a powerful drive and forcing a fine save from Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen. At the other end, Virgil van Dijk headed against the crossbar from a corner as the game ended 1-1.
The point keeps Liverpool in fourth place with two matches remaining, one point clear of Aston Villa, who play Burnley on Sunday. Chelsea remain ninth, two points behind Brentford in seventh, which currently holds the final European qualification spot (Europa Conference League). The Blues have an alternative route to Europe: they will face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 16.
For Chelsea, the result ends a run of six consecutive Premier League defeats, a small positive for their season. They showed resilience to come from behind and created several chances, but their finishing proved lacking. Liverpool will be frustrated not to have capitalized on Gravenberch's early strike, especially given their home advantage and the importance of the match for their Champions League ambitions.
With only two games left, Liverpool control their own destiny for a top-four finish but must secure wins to avoid slipping out. Chelsea's focus may now shift to the Cup final, where they face a dominant Manchester City side. The draw leaves both teams with work to do in the remaining fixtures. Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.
