Estevao's 95th‑minute winner gives Chelsea 2‑1 comeback over Liverpool

Anele Mngadi 5 October 2025 1

Chelsea secured a dramatic 2‑1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on 4 October 2025 when Estevao, a Brazilian teenage forward, slotted a 95th‑minute late winner that left the Merseyside side stunned. The Blues, represented by Chelsea Football Club, had taken the lead early through Moises Caicedo, only for Cody Gakpo to level in the 63rd minute. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, watched his side go from hopeful to disappointed in the space of a few seconds.

Match overview – a roller‑coaster at West London

The Premier League clash, part of the 2025‑26 season, started with Chelsea pressing high. Within the opening ten minutes, Moises Caicedo unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box that swerved past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The shot left the keeper with little time to react and gave the home fans an early surge of optimism.

Liverpool, fielding a line‑up that featured Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté at centre‑back, tried to regroup. Their midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch kept possession, but Chelsea’s pressing forced several half‑chances.

Key moments that shaped the result

10th minute: Caicedo’s long‑range goal puts Chelsea 1‑0 up.
45+2 minutes: Liverpool creates a chance through Salah, but his header sails over the bar.
63rd minute: Gakpo’s close‑range finish after a swift build‑up equalises.
85th minute: Chelsea earn a corner, but Mamardashvili makes a reflex save.
95th minute: Estevao punches in the winner from a cross, sealing the comeback.

The equaliser came after a slick exchange on the right flank. Szoboszlai surged forward, slipping a pass to Alexander Isak, whose touch sent the ball looping into the box where Gakpo timed his run perfectly and tucked the ball under Mamardashvili. The goal sparked a wave of belief, and Klopp’s sideline erupted with encouragement.

Tactical analysis – why Chelsea held on

Chelsea’s manager Mauricio Pochettino (entity not marked as primary) deployed a 4‑3‑3 that emphasized width. Full‑backs Reece James and Marc Cucurella overlapped constantly, delivering crosses that kept Liverpool’s back line busy. Even after the 63rd‑minute shock, Chelsea retained a higher pressing line, forcing Liverpool into a series of long balls that often fell to the newly‑introduced substitute Trevoh Chilton, who won a crucial aerial duel that led to the final corner.

The stats back the story: Chelsea held 53% possession, completed 18 shots (6 on target) compared with Liverpool’s 12 (4 on target). They also registered 7 fouls in the final ten minutes, a clear sign of intent to protect their lead.

Reactions from the dugout and the stands

After the final whistle, Jurgen Klopp sighed, "We fought hard, but a goal in the dying seconds always hurts. Credit to Chelsea; they kept pressing and earned the point.” Meanwhile, Pochettino praised his youngster: “Estevao showed what you call ‘big‑game temperament’ – he waited for the right moment and delivered. This is the type of player we need at this level.”

Fans in the stands were vocal. A Chelsea supporter, 28‑year‑old Maya Patel, told reporters, “When the ball hit the back of the net, the whole stadium erupted. It feels great to see our academy products step up.” Across the River Thames, Liverpool fans were left shaking their heads, muttering, “We should have taken that point.”

Implications for the title race and next fixtures

This win pushes Chelsea to 38 points, moving them into the top‑four chase, just three points behind leaders Manchester City. The three points also tighten the battle for a Champions League spot, with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal trailing by a single point.

Liverpool, on the other hand, linger at 31 points, slipping to fifth place. Klopp’s side now faces a crucial home fixture against newly‑promoted Brentford, where a slip‑up could see them drop further down the table. The defeat also brings to light defensive lapses on set pieces, something the coaching staff will likely address during Tuesday’s training.

Historical context – late winners that defined seasons

Estevao’s strike joins a short list of dramatic finishers that have altered Premier League narratives. In 2022, Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford roared home in the 94th minute against Liverpool to clinch a top‑four finish. In 2019, Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy netted a 95th‑minute winner over Tottenham, cementing their Europa League qualification. Such moments often become season‑defining, and Chelsea supporters will likely replay Estevao’s celebration for weeks.

Key facts

Result: Chelsea Football Club 2‑1 Liverpool Football Club
Goal scorers: Moises Caicedo (10'), Cody Gakpo (63'), Estevao (95')
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Attendance: 40,103 spectators
Implications: Chelsea moves within three points of the league leaders; Liverpool drops to fifth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Estevao's winner affect Chelsea's Champions League hopes?

The three points lift Chelsea to 38, narrowing the gap to the top‑four by just three points. With only six games left, every win becomes pivotal, and the morale boost from a dramatic comeback could prove decisive in securing a European spot.

What were the key tactical changes after Liverpool equalised?

Chelsea intensified their pressing, pushing the defensive line higher and forcing Liverpool into hurried clearances. Pochettino also introduced fresh legs in midfield, allowing the team to sustain attacks and eventually win the decisive corner that led to the winner.

Who were the standout performers for Liverpool despite the loss?

Cody Gakpo earned plaudits for his composure in the 63rd minute, while Mohamed Salah’s relentless runs created space that kept Liverpool in the game. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made two crucial saves, including a reflex stop at the 85th minute.

What does this result mean for Jurgen Klopp’s upcoming fixtures?

Klopp now faces a must‑win against Brentford at home to halt the slide. The loss also puts pressure on his defensive organization, especially on set‑piece defending, an area he’ll likely target in training before the next match.

How does this match compare to previous late‑goal thrillers in the Premier League?

Estevao’s 95th‑minute strike mirrors iconic moments like Rashford’s 94th‑minute winner in 2022 and Vardy’s 95th‑minute strike in 2019, both of which shifted league dynamics. Like those goals, this one not only altered the points table but also cemented the scorer’s status as a clutch performer.