Incredible!

With a 3-1 deficit at Anfield to turn over thanks to two headed goals from Branislav Ivanovic and a goal off Didier Drogba Liverpool had to pull off a miracle to get into the Semi-Finals. Chelsea had 3 away goals too to boot. It looked near impossible. And with the news that influential skipper, Steven Gerrard with a groin injury. The odds were completely against them. In the first half hour of this encounter. The Brazilian left back Fabio Aurelio who should be the first choice left back for Brazil with his form for Liverpool this season. Caught the Chelsea defense and Petr Cech out with a low drilled free kick in the right hand corner of the net. Then, from a free kick, Branislav Ivanovic turned from hero to villain for Chelsea fans as he wrapped his arms around Xabi Alonso and Liverpool were awarded a penalty which, he converted easily. Petr Cech, the Chelsea goalkeeper was a bag of nerves and did not look at his best. Misjudging balls and running out when not needed. This game proved that Buffon was the number one goalkeeper in the world as he can the take the pressure. The whistle for the first half went and Liverpool lead Chelsea 2-0 at half time. They just needed one more goal to win the tie. Was they going to do the impossible once again?

Fabio Aurelio celebrating after scoring a clever free kick.

The second half went to Chelsea's favour. They were still nervous, especially Petr Cech. But, from a strong run from Nicholas Anelka down the right wing and a cross which, Drogba put his foot on ahead of the Liverpool defender who came of the near post. Reina expected the defender, Skrtel to clear it but he didn't and Reina couldn't steer the ball away from goal and the ball went in back of net. Minutes later Chelsea had gained confidence from their earlier goal and looked a different side from the first half. They attacked and got fouled and were awarded a free kick. Alex took it and scored a belter. Putting it into the top right hand corner. Reina stood no chance. Another player showing Dunga maybe he should be in the first team over the aging Lucio. So, Chelsea, had scored 2 goals in over 5 minutes of the second half. Then ten minutes later. Clever play off Ballack who passed it to Drogba and Anelka distracted two liverpool defenders with a run into the box. Drogba played the ball back into the middle of the box behind Anelka but, in front of Lampard who smashed it home. It was 6-3 on aggregate to Chelsea. Surely, Liverpool couldn't come back now? 

Alex being mobbed by Drogba and Ballack after, scoring his free kick.

It took Liverpool around 20 more minutes to score another goal. But, the most unlikely player scored it for Liverpool. Lucas Leiva has been under much criticism by the football world and even Liverpool fans. As he doesn't play very Brazilian for a Brazilian. But he was given too much space outside the box and had a shot which deflected off Micheal Essien's arm. This wrong footed Cech and it went into the back of the net. Then, Bentez introduced Albert Reina from the substitute bench and he finally got a cross down the right wing. Kuyt moved from his position on the wing into the centre and headed it into the back of the net. Now, Liverpool only needed one goal to win. Liverpool were proving everybody wrong they can play amazing football even without Steven Gerrard! But, Chelsea put the final nail into the coffin when a pass to Frank Lampard and his first time shot went past Pepe Reina and into the back of the net. An amazing goal. Liverpool threatened late on with a shot off David Ngog that Essien headed off the line because Cech made another mistake. I think this game proved that Cech hasn't been the same after his head accident when Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt slide tackled but, got his head not the ball. He was just a bag of nerves today.

Chelsea v Liverpool

The best game you'll see in a long time.

Today, we witness Manchester United vs FC Porto and Villarreal vs Arsenal two close games which, you can watch on www.justin.tv. I am bagging for a FC Porto victory because they have 2 away goals and they did a sismilar tactic to Atletico Madrid when they scored 2 away goals against them then, killed the game off in the return leg. Also, Arsenal should win due to Senna and Carzola being out injured for Villareal. I know Gallas is out but, Arsenal still have enough quality to beat a Villarreal team on bad form. After, they lost to Almeria 3-0 on the weekend and lost the previous game in the LaLiga too.

Joel