In a thrilling Champions League match played on Tuesday, Chelsea didn’t disappoint the home town fans at Stamford Bridge by knocking off Liverpool in their quarter-final battle.
It was a memorable 4-4 draw, which resulted in Chelsea moving on due to a 7-5 win on aggregate.
Despite the fans euphoria at the end of the game, the home side gave them plenty to be uncomfortable about in the first half.
Chelsea came into the match with a 3-1 lead in the quarter-finals after delivering an impressive victory at Anfield in the first leg of this home-and-home series.
Perhaps it was over-confidence, but Chelsea was clearly overmatched from the start, as Liverpool swarmed their end and didn’t let up for the entire half…heading into the dressing room after 45 minutes with a two-goal lead.
Yes, Liverpool has been focused on winning the English Premier League, but it was apparent from the opening touch that they weren’t about to hand the semi-final spot to this EPL rival.
The Blues gave up goals to Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso in the first 30, giving the visitor confidence and causing the Chelsea fans to berate their team.
However, a half-time tongue lashing from Hiddink spurred the Blues, who came out and responded in championship fashion, pushing the play and creating wonderful scoring opportunities right from the opening of the second half.
Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard tallied twice, while Alex and Didier Drogba added the others.
Chelsea will now move on to face Barcelona, which advanced 5-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich. Worth noting is that both teams were without their captains. John Terry was sidelined serving a suspension and Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard needed additional rest for a groin injury.
In their next game, Chelsea will be without left back Ashley Cole, who picked up a booking that will rule him out of the first leg at Nou Camp.
Watch Football Betting to get updates about English Premiership.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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