Battle for Europe to go into extra-time after Blues' triumph

CHELSEA moved a step closer to Uefa Champions League qualification on Sunday by beating under-strength champions Liverpool 3-1 with a first-half strike from Enzo Fernandez, a ricocheted own-goal by Jarell Quansah and a Cole Palmer penalty.

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The game was into the third minute when Palmer found Neto whose cut-back cross fell to the unmarked Fernandez and the Argentine whipped the ball low into the net.

The lively Palmer was also instrumental in the second goal after he clipped the ball into the area and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's attempted clearance bounced off teammate Quansah and into the goal.

Palmer scored his first goal since mid-January from the spot in the 96th minute after Quansah's foul on Moises Caicedo. Van Dijk had pulled one back in the 84th minute from a corner for Liverpool.

The result kept Chelsea fifth in the table, separated from fourth-placed Newcastle United who drew 1-1 against Brighton on Sunday to only by goals scored. The Blues and Magies could be joined by surprise package Nottingham Forest - currently sixth in the standings - on Monday on the same number of points, if Nuno Espirito Santo side can beat Crystal Palace.