By: Julia Aidan
Submitted: 2009-06-24 00:23:43 | Word Count: 565
The Curtain Raiser
After an unforgettable encounter in Anfield two weeks ago, the stage was set for another classic in the second leg match between arch-rivals Chelsea and Liverpool. Last week, the Stamford Bridge side beat Liverpool away from home through the heroics of Branislav Ivanovic. The stand-in defender scored a double last time out which helped Chelsea defeat the 5-time European Champions away from home 3-1.
This meant that Liverpool had quite a task in their hands and in order to win the tie, would have to do something similar to their Istanbul comeback two years ago. Liverpool were already branded as comeback kings after making a habit of scoring goals during the last quarter of games which meant that not even Chelsea fans were counting them out just yet. Both captains were unable to take part in the game as Chelsea skipper John Terry was suspended, while Liverpool main man Steven Gerrard failed a late fitness test.
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The First Half
Not even half an hour had gone and Liverpool was already on the verge of yet another sensational comeback. Chelsea's defence had not been as formidable as it was a few years ago, and questions had been asked whether goalkeeper Petr Chech was still the best in the world. The absence of Terry did not help their cause as their weakness in set pieces was yet again exposed.
Fabio Aurelio scored from more than 30 yards out through a cheeky free kick that fooled Chech in the 19th minute. Branislav Ivanovic, the hero from the first leg, gave away a penalty in the 28th minute, which Xabi Alonso converted emphatically. Suddenly it was Liverpool who had the momentum with the aggregate score being 3-3. Chelsea was ahead only on away goals and another goal from Liverpool in the second half would complete the upset.
The Second Half
It looked like Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink gave his boys the hairdryer treatment during the break as the Blues came out with an invigorated spirit in the second half. The team showed their character by scoring six minutes into the half through Didier Drogba, who was showing glimpses of why he used to be, and probably still is one of the most feared strikers in the world. Stand-in captain Frank Lampard scored again in the 76th minute which calmed Chelsea nerves as they looked to be home and dry.
However, Liverpool were not going out without the fight as they scored another two goals in two minutes courtesy of Lucas and Dirk Kuyt. The aggregate score was now 6-5 and it was going to be a nervous last 10 minutes for Chelsea as they knew that another Liverpool goal would send them crashing out. It was Drogba again who was key as he linked up with strike partner Nicolas Anelka to set up Frank Lampard with his second, and the goal that would finally end all hopes for Liverpool in the 89th minute. Final aggregate score: Chelsea 7, Liverpool 5.
Chelsea will now be facing Spanish champions Barcelona in a fortnight's time. The Catalan side defeated Bayern Munich 5-1 on aggregate to setup another memorable date with the Blues.
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