#3 Liverpool vs Chelsea, 2008
Liverpool and Chelsea contested in their third semi-final in four years in 2008 in what was one of the best rivalries in the Champions League at that point of time. Unlike the previous two times, where Liverpool had the second-leg at home, Chelsea had the second-leg at home for a change as they were itching to avenge the previous two semi-final defeats.
First Leg – Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea
(Video Courtesy – Alfie Hornby YouTube Channel)
The match started like a chess game with both teams unwilling to yield any tactical advantage for the opposition. The hosts slowly got into the game and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech ensured the match remains goalless as he dealt with poor finishing and control from Fernando Torres and Dirk Kuyt respectively.
Kuyt was, however, not to be denied as he scored just before half-time after a Javier Mascherano miskick to put the Reds in front. Liverpool came out strong in the second-half but were unable to test Cech significantly. Meanwhile, Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina was called into action in the 66th minute to deal with a Michael Ballack header and was later helped out by Javier Mascherano, who made a crucial tackle on Florent Malouda.
However, Liverpool’s defensive solidarity served them well and then Petr Cech was forced into two superb saves to deny Steven Gerrard and Torres towards the end. There was a twist in the tale as left-back John Arne Riise, who came on for an injured Fabio Aurelio in the second-half, headed Salomon Kalou’s cross into his own net to give Chelsea a major boost heading into the second leg and very likely was the main reason why the Norwegian was sold later on.
Second Leg – Chelsea 3-2 Liverpool
(Video Courtesy – JustFootball YouTube Channel)
The second leg began with Liverpool deciding to soak up the pressure while Chelsea, on the back of a superb win against title contenders Manchester United, started the game in a better fashion and ultimately went in front through Didier Drogba in the first half.
The second-half saw the Reds come out sharper and Dirk Kuyt forced a save off Cech. As Chelsea sat deeper, Gerrard started to dictate play and eventually, Rafa Benitez’s side found a way with Yossi Benayoun setting up Torres who obliged to score Liverpool’s first goal at Stamford Bridge in 841 minutes of action.
This took the match into extra-time and Chelsea got in front with Frank Lampard scoring an expert penalty and later Drogba doubled their advantage seven minutes later. The match looked set for Chelsea but Ryan Babel had other ideas as he scored from 35 yards out in the 117th minute to set up a tense finale.
The biggest point in the match was Lampard’s penalty, followed by an emotional celebration as this was the first time he was playing since the passing of his mother six days back. Chelsea team-mate Joe Cole said afterwards: “To even be able to play, put in the performance he did, step up and take the penalty and score - I just can't put it into words what I think about Frank. I have known Frank for a long time and I know what kind of a fella he is.”
Chelsea held on to the crowd’s delight and finally beat their nemesis for once at the semi-final stage. Chelsea eventually lost on penalties to Manchester United in the final and had to wait four more years to win the trophy in 2012.
