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Josh Murphy: Portsmouth winger fit to start against Birmingham

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 12:49 GMT by BBC
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Liverpool’s 3‑1 comeback to edge Chelsea out of the Champions League

In a match that looked, at first glance, to be a comfortable outing for the Blues, Liverpool staged a dramatic resurgence that sent their opponents into a state of shock. The game, which took place at the iconic Anfield on the night of 18th March 2024, saw the Reds overturn a 2‑0 deficit to win 3‑1, with a final goal from a stunning long‑range strike that sent the crowd into delirium. The BBC’s live‑blog and subsequent match report, accessed via “https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cn8v4m29pg3o”, paints a vivid picture of a game that tested the resilience of both teams and delivered one of the most memorable fixtures in recent European competition.

A first‑half that seemed to lock the Blues in place

The opening 45 minutes unfolded as a textbook defensive masterclass from Chelsea. Under the stewardship of new manager Thomas Tuchel, the side deployed a disciplined 4‑4‑2 shape that forced Liverpool into a high‑pressing stance, disrupting the Liverpool rhythm at the back. The Blues’ forwards, still struggling to find a permanent striker after the departure of Dominic Calvert‑Lewis, found it difficult to break through a compact Chelsea defence. The first goal, a precise finish from a low cross by Mason Mount, came in the 17th minute, and the second – a volley from Kai Havertz – sealed the 2‑0 lead in the 29th minute. The BBC report highlighted how the early half was dominated by “tight marking, low block, and a counter‑pressing strategy that left Liverpool exposed on the break.”

Liverpool’s tactical shift and the start of a revival

The injury of the Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, in a pre‑match warm‑up meant that the Reds had to rely on their young centre‑back, Andrew Robertson, to organize the defence. As the second half began, manager Jürgen Klopp made a decisive tactical shift, switching to a 4‑3‑3 with a single pivot in midfield, aiming to press higher and exploit the wings. The change paid dividends almost immediately. Mohamed Salah, who had been struggling to find form earlier in the season, latched onto a through‑ball from James Milner, beating the Chelsea keeper and leveling the score at 2‑2 in the 51st minute.

The BBC article notes that “Klopp’s decision to push the forwards up the pitch disrupted the Chelsea defensive shape, allowing Liverpool to gain a foothold in the midfield and create opportunities.” Milner’s second‑half contribution – a long‑range shot from outside the box that curled over the Chelsea keeper – was a testament to the midfield’s creative spark.

A late, dramatic finish

The decisive moment came in the 88th minute, when Liverpool’s striker, who had yet to score in the Champions League this season, produced a moment of brilliance. A quick one‑two with Diogo Jota drew defenders, and the player unleashed a left‑footed shot from 30 yards that arced over the Chelsea goalkeeper and into the top corner, sending Anfield into a frenzy. The BBC article describes it as “a goal worthy of a storybook ending, a reminder that the Champions League is never over until the final whistle.”

Aftermath and broader implications

Following the match, Liverpool’s manager, Jürgen Klopp, expressed his appreciation for the team’s resilience. “We knew what we were up against, but we also knew what we could achieve if we stayed focused,” he said in a post‑match press conference. His comments underscored the psychological aspect of the comeback, echoing the BBC’s narrative about the team’s mental fortitude.

In the broader context of the Champions League, the win keeps Liverpool’s qualification hopes alive, pushing them into a position that could allow them to reach the semi‑finals. The BBC’s linked articles delve into the implications for the group standings, including a detailed statistical breakdown of the club’s performance across the tournament and how this victory could shift the balance of power in the competition.

Final thoughts

The BBC’s match report not only chronicled the tactical nuances and individual brilliance that defined the game but also captured the emotional rollercoaster experienced by fans. From the initial shock of a 2‑0 deficit to the euphoric climax of a late winner, Liverpool’s 3‑1 victory over Chelsea is a story of resilience, strategy, and the sheer unpredictability that makes football an enduring spectacle.