Blues Strike Back: Chelsea Crown Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park
25 January 2026
Match action and key moments
Chelsea secured three valuable points after defeating Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park in the 23rd round of the Premier League.
The Blues opened the scoring late in the first half when Estêvao Willian broke through and fired a left-footed strike into the net in the 34th minute.
Shortly after the break, Joao Pedro doubled the visitors' lead with a precise finish inside the box in the 50th minute.
In the 64th minute, Enzo Fernandez converted from the spot to make it 3-0, putting the result beyond doubt.
Palace suffered a double setback as Adam Raton was sent off in the 73rd minute after a second yellow, complicating a comeback.
Nevertheless, the hosts pulled one back through Chris Richards in the 88th minute, but Chelsea sealed the win.
With this result, Chelsea climb to fourth on 37 points, staying in the European qualification places, while Crystal Palace remain 15th on 28.
Impact and standings
The early momentum swung Chelsea’s way as they controlled possession and looked sharp on the counter, while Palace fought to break through the Blues' resilient backline.
In the closing stages, Palace finally found a consolation through Chris Richards, but it did little to change the outcome as Chelsea closed out the match.
Chelsea's victory strengthens their top-four bid and leaves Palace with work to do to climb away from the danger zone.
Chelsea's defense was tighter than my bank balance after a transfer window.
Palace tried a late rally, but the top four had already RSVP'd to the scoreline.
Punchline 1: Chelsea's defense was tighter than my bank balance after a transfer window.
Punchline 2: Palace's comeback dream got a reality check—the scoreboard already booked Chelsea into the top four.
