Huge Chelsea boost in Champions League race ahead of key Liverpool and Newcastle games

Chelsea were forced to settle for a point on Sunday afternoon after coming from 2-0 down to draw with Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge.

The rescued a point against the Tractor Boys after trailing by two goals at half-time. Julio Enciso and Ben Johnson had put the visitors ahead at Stamford Bridge, but an own goal from Axel Tuanzebe and a wonderful curling strike from made the score level.

Chelsea were pushing for a winning goal and Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer was in fine form to ensure the visitors left west London with something. After the game, understandably, there were not too many celebrations from a Chelsea perspective, knowing it was two points dropped despite the second-half comeback. There was definitely one positive for , however.

avoided a booking at Stamford Bridge, meaning he is no longer at risk of a two-match suspension. The Ecuador international has been on nine yellow cards in the Premier League since the win against Southampton towards the end of March, one booking away from being banned for two games.

Caicedo, however, has managed to avoid the referee's book ever since the win against the Saints and the 32nd game of the league season, which was the draw versus Ipswich, was the cut-off point. As per the Premier League's rules: "Any player earning 10 bookings from his side's first 32 Premier League matches will serve a two-match ban in the same competition." If Caicedo was to reach 15 bookings before the end of the season, then he would receive a three-match ban.

A welcome boost for Chelsea with Caicedo being such an integral part of their squad. The 23-year-old has arguably - and it is unlikely too many people would even argue - been Chelsea's best player of the 2024/25 season to date. With such a crucial run of games, both in the Premier League and Conference League, having Caicedo available without the risk of suspension is enormous for the Blues.

The results over the weekend in the top-flight mean Chelsea are now in sixth-place. The west Londoners are a point below Manchester City and two adrift of Newcastle United, who have also played a game less than the Blues. It is massively important Chelsea achieve Champions League qualification this season, with finishing in the top five being enough this term.

Up next for Maresca and his players is a Conference League quarter-final second leg against Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge, having comfortably won 3-0 last week in Poland. Then it is a trip to Fulham on Sunday afternoon before a six-day rest prior to their meeting with Everton in west London.

Liverpool, who could well be crowned Premier League champions by then, then come to Stamford Bridge before the all important visit to Newcastle. The league campaign is then concluded with a home match against Manchester United and a trip to Nottingham Forest.