Estevão’s stoppage-time strike lifts Chelsea past Liverpool in Stamford Bridge thriller

Chelsea teenager Estevão struck deep into stoppage time to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, on Saturday, condemning the defending champions to a third straight Premier League defeat and sending them tumbling down to second place in the table.

The Brazilian winger, introduced as a second-half substitute, became the hero of the night when he latched onto a clever cutback from Marc Cucurella in the 96th minute and coolly slotted the ball past Alisson Becker.

The goal sent the home fans into raptures and gave Chelsea a crucial statement win heading into the international break.

Chelsea had started the match with purpose and were rewarded midway through the first half when Moisés Caicedo fired in a composed finish from the edge of the box after Liverpool failed to clear a corner. The Blues continued to press but couldn’t find a second before the break.

Liverpool, desperate to halt their recent slide, rallied in the second half and found an equaliser through Cody Gakpo, who pounced on a loose ball in the area to level the score with 15 minutes remaining. For a brief spell, Jürgen Klopp’s side looked poised to escape with a point, only for Estevão’s late intervention to twist the knife.

After the match, Cucurella—who provided the decisive assist—hailed the young Brazilian’s impact and also praised defender Jorrel Hato for his composure under pressure.

“Estevão is an incredible talent,” Cucurella said. “He changed the game for us, and Jorrel too showed great maturity. The future looks bright.”

The result marks a significant boost for Chelsea, who continue to show signs of progress under their manager’s reshaped project. They will next travel to Nottingham Forest after the international break. Liverpool, meanwhile, will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for a crucial home clash against archrivals Manchester United.