In a match that will go down in Women’s Super League history, Liverpool pulled off a stunning 4-3 upset victory over reigning champions Chelsea in front of a raucous crowd at Prenton Park. The high-scoring thriller featured end-to-end action, dramatic lead changes, and a last-gasp winner that sent shockwaves through the WSL title race.
Early Chelsea Control Gives Way to Liverpool Fightback
Chelsea came out of the gates strong, dominating possession and pinning Liverpool back in their own half. The pressure paid off in the 18th minute when Guro Reiten curled in a spectacular free kick from 25 yards out to give the Blues a deserved 1-0 lead.
Rather than fold, Liverpool showed tremendous character to fight their way back into the match. In the 32nd minute, a clever through ball released Leanne Kiernan behind the Chelsea defense. The Irish striker made no mistake with the finish, sliding the ball past the onrushing keeper to level the score at 1-1.
We knew we’d have to weather an early storm from a top side like Chelsea. But these girls have an unbelievable spirit and desire to fight for each other. Once we got the equalizer, I could sense the belief growing that we could get a result today.
Liverpool manager Matt Beard told reporters after the match
Defensive Lapses Lead to Goal Flurry
Both defenses looked shaky dealing with the intensity and pace of the match. In a frantic five-minute spell before halftime, poor clearances and missed assignments led to a flurry of three goals.
First, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd pounced on a loose ball in the box to restore Chelsea’s lead at 2-1. But Liverpool struck twice in quick succession, with Ceri Holland and Olivia Smith applying simple finishes after incisive attacking moves sliced open the Blues’ backline.
Liverpool took a surprising 3-2 advantage into the break, while Chelsea were left to regroup after a uncharacteristically sloppy defensive display. As the second half kicked off, the question was whether the Reds could hold onto their slim lead against the champions’ inevitable onslaught.
Frantic Finish Delights Prenton Park Crowd
Chelsea threw numbers forward in search of an equalizer, but a resolute Liverpool rearguard held firm. Reds keeper Rachael Laws made several crucial saves to preserve the advantage, including a stunning reflex stop from Sam Kerr‘s point-blank header.
The tension continued to mount until Chelsea crafted a clever equalizer in the 82nd minute. Erin Cuthbert played a sublime give-and-go with Pernille Harder before slotting home to make it 3-3 and set up a grandstand finish.
But there was one final twist in the tale. In the third minute of stoppage time, Liverpool substitute Jasmine Matthews rose highest to meet a corner kick, powering an unstoppable header into the top corner to seal an epic 4-3 victory for the hosts.
This is the craziest game I’ve ever been a part of. The noise in here when that winning goal went in – I’ve never heard anything like it. Every single player left everything on that pitch today. We deserved this win and we’re going to enjoy it!
A beaming Liverpool captain Niamh Fahey said in her post-match interview
WSL Title Race Blown Wide Open
The stunning result blows the WSL title race wide open and delivers a severe blow to Chelsea’s three-peat hopes. With the Blues suffering their first league defeat of the season, the door is now open for rivals Manchester City and Arsenal to close the gap at the top of the table.
For Liverpool, the victory is a massive statement of intent. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the Reds now find themselves in the top half of the WSL table. If they can harness the momentum from this famous win, a push for European qualification spots isn’t out of the question.
While there’s still a long way to go, one thing is for certain after today’s thriller at Prenton Park: the 2024-25 Women’s Super League title race has been flipped on its head in the most dramatic fashion. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride from here to the finish line.
