Chelsea and Liverpool through to Champions League semi-finals
9th April, 2008
Chelsea will meet Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals for the third time in four seasons after they both came from behind to progress to the next round.
Chelsea turned around a 2-1 first-leg deficiet against Fenerbahce to make their third semi final in four seasons, although the second leg was not plain sailing. Despite grabbing the essential early goal through Michael Ballack, the Blues looked nervy and failed to finish the game off as Fenerbahce grew in confidence throughout the game. An injury to Carlo Cudicini meant third-choice Hilario was called into action, who did not help steady the nerves. An 87th minute goal from Frank Lampard brought relief for the little remainder of the game, to put the home side through 3-2 on aggregate.
Liverpool’s win over Arsenal was even more topsy-turvy, miles away from the last two 1-1 meetings played out by the two in the past week. Arsenal started the better side and got their reward with a 13th minute goal from Diaby to put them 2-1 up on aggregate, with a crucial away goal. Arsenal continued to be the dominate but it was Liverpool who grabbed the next goal, Hyypia finding himself with space to powerfully head in a corner. At 1-1 (2-2 on aggregate), the match was completely level with extra-time and penalties a possibility. The on-form Torres was on hand to ruin that, superbly finishing an effort on the turn from inside the box to put the home side ahead for the second time in the two-leg fixture.
However Arsenal did not lay down, grabbing an equaliser that put them in front on the away goals rule, created by a fantastic run by Theo Walcott and finished by Adebayor. Within a minute Babbel had been brought down for a penalty, converted emphatically by Gerrard, to give them the lead for what would be the final time. Babbel had the last say, skipping past Fabregas on the break to finish the game 4-2 on aggregate.
As a result of the two games, most bookies after giving very similar odds for Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona, at 3/1 with Betfred for example. Manchester United, despite yet officially qualifying for the semi-finals, are 15/8 favourites. Use our odds comparison service to find the best Champions League odds.
By Chris M
