Well, maybe not Queens, but Kings. One thing is for sure, you got to have a strong heart to cheer for Liverpool.
The Kings of Comeback almost did it again. 3-1 down after the first leg the mission was easily defined, but deemed impossible to do: score 3 goals at Stamford Bridge. They did that, scored 4 even, but also conceded 4.
It all started with the worst news – Gerrard won’t play. But, as anyone cheering for Liverpool can tell you; he’s the best player they have, but he’s not everything. I must confess that I was very sceptical to playing Lucas instead. He’s far from my favorite, but he’s improved of the last few weeks, and did very well today.
But, once the ball was in play Liverpool showed the determination that so lacked at Anfield and after 30 minutes Liverpool was 2-0 up. One from a penalty and one from, well, a gift from Cech. However, the last 15 was worrying as Chelsea played better.
In the start of 2nd half it was Reinas turn to repay the kidness from Cech, and gifted Chelsea with a goal. Then a stunning free-kick (I’ll return to freekicks later) Alex equalized. To make it even worse, Lampard made it 3-2 with 15 minutes to go. It was over. Or not?
Two quick goals from Lucas and Kuyt suddenly made it 4-3! The game lived again.
I said I’d get back to freekicks and this has to be said. Offical stats say 29-14 to Chelsea in freekicks. Was Liverpool twice has foul as Chelsea? Without a doubt no. What happened before the 4-4 goals speaks clearly of this. A ball comes up for a easy header for Carragher, yet he’s pushed from behind by Drogba. Liverpool did the same 30 minutes before and it gave a freekick that Alex scored from, yet nothing now. Instead, the ball went out to a throw and they score. Sure, not directly related to the goal, but this was just one so many similar situations, where it was ok for contact from Chelsea, but not from Liverpool.
Still, this can’t be blamed on the ref, but instead really silly mistakes (again!) and overall Chelsea deserved their spot in the semis. Especially in the first game they played far better football than Liverpool.
And truth be said, who would really want to face Barcelona with their current form?
Read full report here (in Swedish) or here (in English).
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