THIS morning on the 1st of May or for the working crowd, better known as labour day produced one of the finest football matches in football's most elite and prestigious competition the UEFA Champions League. It was the 2nd leg of the 2nd semi final game between Chelsea and Liverpool. It's the 3rd time in 4 years have both the English clubs locked horns and engaged in battle. So far, Liverpool has been sucessful in all attempts and even returned as Champions in 2005.
There was much at stake for both clubs, however unlike the past 3 times the clubs met. It was advantage Chelsea this time around. A late own goal from John Arne Riise at Anfield, gave the Blues their solitary away goal to return back to their fortress Stamford Bridge where they have not lost for 80 home games (I hope i got my statistics correct...:-)). For Chelsea gaffer, Avram Grant his job perhaps was on the line again, but doing what his predecessor, Jose Mourinho failed to do would be vindication for all the trouble he endured.
Liverpool knowing that scoring once, would be good enough to bring them to Moscow. In addition to that, knowing that a 1-1 draw and berth to a penalty shoot-out wouldn't be too bad either. However, as the game got on the way, It was Chelsea that started the brighter. The first goal, came to Chelsea via Ivorian hitman Didier Drogba. An initial shot from fellow Ivorian Solomon Kalou who was judged to be in an off-side position, forced a save from Liverpool's goalkeeper Pepe Reina only to rebound to a waiting Drogba, who smashed the shot leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. There were attemps here and there, but it's the goal that counts. (Outcome : Chelsea dominate)
Down at the tunnel, perhaps after receiving some motivational talks from Rafa. Liverpool came out with all guns blazing, and Chelsea were practically pinned in their own half. The 2nd half told a totally different story from the first, with Liverpool strongly in the ascending. And in the 64th minute, after some careless defending from the Chelsea defence, The man they call "El Nino" a.k.a Fernando Torres equalized. If the results stay as it is, we'll be heading for extra time and possibly penalties. 90 mins are up, the score stays at 1-1. On the extra time we go...(Outcome: Liverpool to win)
Once again, following the patterns that were set in the previous two halves. Chelsea were at it again, perhaps it's from which side you're attacking. LOL. And through a corner, the ball rebounded out of the Liverpool penalty box only for Essien to smash it right in. 2-1 Chelsea..for about 5 seconds, then the linesman ruled it out because there were 3 Chelsea players in offside positions but no interfering with play. Bad decision, the goal should have stood. However, Karma took its place later..as Sami Hyypia brought down Michael Ballack in the area. Referee points to the spot! PENALTY.
Chelsea have been having some internal problems, with set pieces as seen last week with Ballack and Drogba against Man United. Neither were involved this time, up stepped Frank Lampard. To be honest, I really admire the guy's courage. He has just gone through the toughest week, anyone can go through (His Mom passed away), and now He's stepping up to absorb all the pressure of the team on his shoulders. He braved the pressure, and sends Reina the wrong way! Well done, Frank. I'm sure your Mom is going to be very proud. Emotional celebrations from England's number 8.
It placed Liverpool under pressure. But the Reds know that one more goal and they will be going through to the final in Moscow. But that was not going to happen as Didier Drogba once again came to Chelsea's aid and netted a third goal with barely anytime remaining on the 1st half of extra time.
The 2nd half of extra time, both teams started to look Jaded and Ryan Babel who came on for Fernando Torres did pull one back with a long range effort which should have been handled better by Chelsea's Petr Cech. It was a soft shot, and it was a very soft goal to ooncede by the Czech Republic international.
That's how the game ended. And bottom line, Chelsea will be heading to their first Champions League final. And will face-off with Premiership arch-rivals Man United. Good luck boys!!
The Ticket for the Concert..
