Own goal gives Chelsea the upper hand against Liverpool
23rd April, 2008
John Arne Riise came on as a substitute for Liverpool only to put the ball in his own net in the 95th minute in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final against Chelsea. This made the final result 1-1 after Dirk Kuyt had finished from close-range in the 43rd minute to give Liverpool the lead.
It looked like it would finish 1-0 for most of the second-half, a result which Chelsea would almost have accepted to take to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea had dominated the early exchanges, and looked deflated by the first goal. Liverpool were much stronger in the second half, but the late own goal has now handed Chelsea the initiative. A Kalou cross into the six-yard area had to be dealt with as Anelka was lurking, but the defender only managed to put the ball past his keeper with a flying header.
There were a number of chances in the match, of which Liverpool had the better, with both Torres and Gerrard finding themselves in position which they maybe should have done better. Chelsea too did create some chances, Joe Cole spurning the best of them.
As a result of the 1-1 draw and crucial away goal for Chelsea, the Blues have shortened to 2/5 to qualify for the final, whilst Liverpool are out to 7/4.
The bookies also expect a Chelsea v Manchester United final, at 6/4 with Skybet, whilst a Barcelona v Liverpool final is now out to 9/2. Use our odds comparison service to find the best Champions League odds.
By Chris M
