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Chelsea withstand stunning Liverpool surge

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  • Chelsea withstand stunning Liverpool surge

    Chelsea withstand stunning Liverpool surge
    Match report by Trevor Haylett from Stamford Bridge


    Alex (right) celebrates his goal with fellow scorer Didier Drogba and Michael Ballack (©Getty Images)

    Another enthralling encounter between these teams left Chelsea FC celebrating a fifth UEFA Champions League semi-final appearance in the last six seasons. But what a fright Liverpool FC gave them after they first established a 2-0 lead inside the first 30 minutes and then scored twice again late on.

    Goals galore
    The 3-1 first-leg deficit was a formidable barrier for the Anfield club to overcome but they set about it with gusto and Fábio Aurélio's free-kick and Xabi Alonso's penalty had the scores level. However, Chelsea roared back with second-half goals from Didier Drogba, Alex and Frank Lampard. Lucas, with a deflected shot, and a Dirk Kuyt header left the home supporters fearing the worst but Lampard scored again with a minute remaining to ensure Chelsea a semi-final meeting with FC Barcelona.

    Gerrard out
    With Steven Gerrard ruled out with a groin injury, Liverpool's task looked even more onerous. While their desire was all too apparent, the early passing lacked sufficient sharpness, even if they created a good chance in the 13th minute that Fernando Torres would normally have put away. It was skilfully created by Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun but having sidestepped Alex's challenge, Torres was unable to keep his shot down.

    Clever goal
    Lampard sent a free-kick fizzing wide as Chelsea threatened for the first time. Yet within five minutes their night began to take a turn for the worst as Liverpool were awarded a free-kick out on the right following a push by Lampard on Torres. Aurélio stood over the ball as players on both teams jostled for position. The Brazilian then deceived everyone by arrowing his delivery inside Petr Čech's left-hand post, leaving the Chelsea goalkeeper embarrassed.

    Liverpool closer
    It was game on once more and Branislav Ivanović was forced to intervene when Torres almost freed Benayoun. Liverpool had their tails up and they soon scored again. Another Aurélio free-kick was vigorously contested with the referee spotting a tug by Ivanović on Alonso, who calmly slotted home the spot-kick. Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink was seething on the touchline and in a bid to put new life in his team he replaced Salomon Kalou with Nicolas Anelka.

    Drogba strike
    Liverpool resumed their attack after the restart and Čech was left exposed as he was beaten by Lucas to a through ball to the left of goal. The Argentinian laid the ball off to Aurélio but this time he could not produce a quality delivery. Anelka had shown little so far but a positive raid down the right led to Chelsea regaining the aggregate lead. A dangerous ball played under pressure was helped on by Drogba close to the byline and Pepe Reina was unable to keep it out at his near post.

    Incredible finish
    Six minutes later Liverpool's lead on the night was wiped out as Alex fired in a free-kick with immense power, and Chelsea seemed to have put the issue beyond doubt in the 76th minute when Drogba surged away and Reina could not do enough to keep out Lampard's side-footed shot. Eleven minutes from time Lucas's drive diverted in off Michael Essien and then Kuyt was allowed room to head in Albert Riera's cross. One more goal and Liverpool would be through but instead that went to Chelsea and the inspirational Lampard, the home side's joy tempered only by a second-half booking for Ashley Cole, meaning he will be suspended for the first leg at Barcelona on 28 April.


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    "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

  • #2
    Chelsea Fightback Stumps Liverpool In Eight-Goal Rollercoast

    Chelsea Fightback Stumps Liverpool In Eight-Goal Rollercoaster

    It was a game of four outrageous comebacks at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea battled back after twice going behind against a Liverpool side who had their fair share of fightbacks to complete.

    Apr 14, 2009 4:31:22 PM



    CL: Frank Lampard, Chelsea v Liverpool (PA)




    <A href="http://goal.com/en/match/30751/chelsea-vs-liverpool/play-by-play">
    "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

    Comment


    • #3
      In some ways, last night was a "moral victory" for my Mighty Reds. They did every supporter proud, and hopefully, put this nonsense about being a "two man" team to rest. Gerrard out and Torres ineffective (tired maybe) and they gave football fans of all stripes a spectacle of historic proportions. Well done to both teams.
      "H.L & Brick .....mi deh pan di wagon (Man City)" - X_____ http://www.reggaeboyzsc.com/forum1/showthread.php?p=378365&highlight=City+Liverpool#p ost378365

      X DESCRIBES HIMSELF - Stop masquerading as if you have the clubs interest at heart, you are a fraud, always was and always will be in any and every thing that you present...

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      • #4
        Yesterday I watched one of the greatest match I have ever seen. I will be burning that Chelsea/Liverpool game to CD. The game was played at high pace, with these world-class players putting on a show of immense skills. It was intriguing and in the end, i was glad that Chelsea came out the overall winners, but well done Liverpool (PM and X notice the respect I am giving you guys).
        Hey .. look at the bright side .... at least you're not a Liverpool fan! - Lazie 2/24/10 Paul Marin -19 is one thing, 20 is a whole other matter. It gets even worse if they win the UCL. *groan*. 05/18/2011.MU fans naah cough, but all a unuh a vomit?-Lazie 1/11/2015

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        • #5
          Liverpool - we put the beautiful in the game!


          BLACK LIVES MATTER

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          • #6
            a bit of a stretch don't you think?

            without taking anything at all away from liverpool as they were fantastic, but chelsea was equal to the task and in a drawn game, the first leg made all the difference.

            i gave liverpool IMMENSE ratings for coming back from 3/0 down against AC Milan to tie the game and then win it.

            Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe. Thomas Paine

            Comment


            • #7
              Fine! But how many teams would have put up that sort of a comeback after a 3-1 home defeat? The game opened up once Chelsea scored, but such legendary games are only done by one side in the world! Di flippin' worl, even!


              BLACK LIVES MATTER

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              • #8
                As I said to a brethren it could be 6-0 against liverpool with 1 minute remaining Thier is one team in the world that you could never count out, Liverpool.
                THERE IS ONLY ONE ONANDI LOWE!

                "Good things come out of the garrisons" after his daughter won the 100m Gold For Jamaica.


                "It therefore is useless and pointless, unless it is for share malice and victimisation to arrest and charge a 92-year-old man for such a simple offence. There is nothing morally wrong with this man smoking a spliff; the only thing wrong is that it is still on the law books," said Chevannes.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Not much of a suprise after seeing how Chelsea let Bolton back into the game over the weekend.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    point!

                    Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe. Thomas Paine

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