Lots of Drama, Few Highlights
May 2, 2007
It was a tactical match on Tuesday at Anfield between two teams whose coaches have developed an intense -- and mutual -- dislike for each other. Once again Rafael Benitez and Liverpool came out tops in a game that was long on drama, if short on highlights.
Liverpool needed to make up for their 1-0 loss in the first leg at Stamford Bridge last week, and in the 22nd minute, Steven Gerrard wrong-footed Chelsea with a free kick crossed not into but outside of the box.
Danish defender Daniel Agger booted the ball into the net through three of his opponents to draw Liverpool level on aggregate. It was Agger's first-ever Champions League goal.
Chelsea pay for passivity
With the result on a knife edge, neither team was willing to risk much. Chelsea, playing without injured stars Andriy Shevchenko and Michael Ballack, created a few chances for super-striker Didier Drogba, but mostly he was left stranded.
Liverpool, meanwhile, pounded the ball in the air to striker Peter Crouch, but 90 minutes weren't enough for the side to deliver the knock-out punch.
Liverpool did find the back of the net in extra time, after Dirk Kuyt pounced on a rebound from Chelsea keeper Petr Cech. But that goal was disallowed after the Dutch striker was ruled offside in a call that is sure to have led to loud debates in pubs across England.
Dutchmen hold nerves in shoot-out
Liverpool's Boudewijn Zenden was first to step up to the spot in the penalty shoot-out, and he made no mistake. Pepe Reina then held against Arjen Robben, and after Liverpool converted their next two, the pressure was on substitute Njitap Geremi.
Geremi was no match for Reina, and a decisive blast by Kuyt sent Liverpool into the Champions League final.
Morinho's future is in doubt after yet another bitter Champions League exit. Liverpool will get a chance to claim their sixth European club championship on May 23 in Athens.
Manchester United play AC Milan in Italy on Wednesday to determine the other finalist. Man U won the first leg 3-2.
Liverpool probably hope Milan prevail since that would put history on their side. In 2005, the Reds won the Champions League final, coming back from 3-0 down to beat the Italians in the final. Liverpool's semi-final opponent that year was Chelsea.