Liverpool failed to secure their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League after being held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea at Anfield in the opening match of Premier League Week 36. The result leaves the Reds under pressure in the race for a top-four finish with two games remaining.
Liverpool started brightly and took the lead in the sixth minute through a stunning long-range strike from Ryan Gravenberch, sending the Anfield crowd into celebration early on.
Chelsea responded in the 35th minute when Enzo Fernández delivered a dangerous free-kick that flew directly into the net, leveling the score before halftime.
The visitors thought they had completed the comeback shortly after the restart as Cole Palmer found the net, but the goal was ruled out by VAR in the 49th minute due to an offside infringement.
Liverpool pushed forward in search of a winner and created several promising chances in the second half, but Chelsea’s defense held firm to earn a valuable point away from home.
The draw keeps Liverpool fourth in the Premier League table with 59 points, but their Champions League qualification remains far from guaranteed. Chelsea, meanwhile, move to 49 points and stay ninth in the standings.
