Liverpool let it go from their grasp and now face an uphill task at Stamford bridge. The Reds must score away to stand any chance of progressing to the finals. It was looking like another successful day in the office for Rafa in Champions League till the last few seconds.
The Blues took on the Reds at Anfield and had Lampard back in their lineup. Ferreira started in the right back position while Drogba was leading the attack which had Malouda and Cole on the wings. Liverpool started with a more settled team and Carragher partnered Skrtel in the central defence. Chelsea started off brightly in the opening few minutes and had more intensity in their play. Liverpool took time to settle and were under pressure from Chelsea. Liverpool then found their rhythm and started to move the ball better, Cole had an half chance while Kuyt could not control Alonso's ball to the box which was cleared. There were not many openings on either ends.
Gerrard was involved in a slick play with Torres and put the Spanish star through on goal but Cech saved the shot well. It was the first real chance of the game. Kuyt was lively and showed more desire and his hard work was rewarded when he dispossessed Lampard and he got into the box and shot past Cech to give Liverpool the lead just at the stroke of half time. It was a mistake from Lampard that cost Chelsea the goal and they needed to come out attacking in the second half.
In the second half Chelsea were more urgent but Liverpool were controlling the game with the lead on their side and Ferreira was having a horrible time against Babel whose runs were creating all sorts of problems for the Chelsea defence. Chelsea had a reprieve when Ballack appeared to have handled the ball in the box. And on 60minutes Aurelio was injured and replaced by Risse. Chelsea were pressing for the elusive away goal while Liverpool looked for the second that would give them a huge advantage going into the second leg. Lampard had a chance but Carragher's timely intervention denied him. Kalou and Anelka came on for Chelsea while Benayoun replaced Babel. Time was running out for Chelsea and in the injury time Cech again stopped a shot from Torres. And in the final minute Kalou crossed the ball into the box and Risse who was under pressure from Anelka headed the ball into his own net trying to clear it, the whole of Anfield went quiet but for the travelling fans.
Chelsea take a huge advantage going into the second leg. And Liverpool will feel unlucky as they played a good match. Rafa has a task on his hands considering the matches between these teams don't produce lots of goals. Advantage Chelsea.......
Click here for the goals
1-0 Kuyt
1-1 Risse(Own Goal)
Torres one on one
First half Highlights
Second half Highlights
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