Estêvão’s stoppage-time volley topples Liverpool and reignites Chelsea ambitions

An already lively Premier League weekend finished with the kind of late-night drama that keeps Portuguese living rooms glued to Eleven Sports: Chelsea edged Liverpool thanks to a stoppage-time strike from 18-year-old Estêvão, a finish that instantly reshuffled the narrative of both clubs’ seasons.

Why a London result matters on this side of the border

Even after Benfica-Porto rages through social media, many fans in Portugal switch channels to England, where the top flight is broadcast in prime time. Matches involving Liverpool attract particular attention because of Diogo Jota, while Chelsea’s transfer policy—flush with American cash and increasingly South-American flair—feeds local bar-talk about how the Portuguese league can keep developing talent. Sunday’s thriller therefore carried the extra intrigue of a heavyweight clash plus the curiosity of seeing Estêvão, the Brazilian teenager Palmeiras sold for a fee that could rise above €60 M, decide a game against a club that once employed José Mourinho and still evokes memories of Fernando Torres.

The match: tense, tactical, and ultimately stolen at the death

Liverpool controlled possession for long stretches, yet Chelsea’s front line created the clearer looks. In the first half a clever diagonal from Enzo Fernández released Raheem Sterling, whose cut-back was bundled in via a deflection. Jürgen Klopp’s men replied after the interval when Mohamed Salah converted a low cross, setting up a frenetic final quarter-hour in which both goalkeepers produced instinct saves. Just when the visitors seemed content with a draw, academy graduate Malo Gusto whipped a hopeful ball to the far post; Estêvão ghosted between defenders and volleyed home on 90+3, sending Stamford Bridge into delirium.

Who is Estêvão and why Chelsea bet big

Scouts had dubbed the right winger the “new Endrick” for months, but Chelsea’s hierarchy acted quickest, reportedly guaranteeing Palmeiras a package worth €35 M up-front and hefty bonuses. His debut on English soil was delayed by work-permit paperwork, finally cleared last month. Sunday’s cameo showcased the traits that justified the outlay: explosive first step, cool finishing, and a confidence that belies his age. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose track record with rising stars includes Ansu Fati and Harry Kane, praised the teenager as “fearless and already tuned to the Premier League rhythm.”

Table mathematics and ripple effects for Portuguese viewers

The victory brings Chelsea within touching distance of the top four while Liverpool surrender ground to leaders Manchester City. For neutral Portuguese supporters the larger picture is a title race suddenly tighter and a Champions League battle in which Diogo Jota’s side can ill afford further slips. Benfica fans watching on TV may wonder whether young João Neves will face Estêvão in European competition next season—if Chelsea do clinch a spot and Benfica navigate qualification, an enticing Lisbon-London subplot emerges.

Looking ahead: fixtures, fatigue, and familiar faces

Chelsea travel to Wolverhampton mid-week, where José Sa and Pedro Neto could present another Lusophone hurdle. Liverpool host Newcastle, whose new-look attack features ex-Benfica man Alexander Isak. With December’s calendar already congested, depth becomes decisive; Klopp may lean on Diogo Jota’s versatility, while Pochettino counts on Estêvão’s impact off the bench until Christopher Nkunku is fully fit. Either way, Portuguese televisions are unlikely to flick off before the final whistle after what they witnessed in west London.