Another enthralling encounter between these teams left Chelsea FC celebrating a fifth UEFA Champions League semi-final appearance in the last six seasons. But what a fright Liverpool FC gave them after they first established a 2-0 lead inside the first 30 minutes and then scored twice again late on.

Goals galore
The 3-1 first-leg deficit was a formidable barrier for the Anfield club to overcome but they set about it with gusto and Fábio Aurélio’s free-kick and Xabi Alonso’s penalty had the scores level. However, Chelsea roared back with second-half goals from Didier Drogba, Alex and Frank Lampard. Lucas, with a deflected shot, and a Dirk Kuyt header left the home supporters fearing the worst but Lampard scored again with a minute remaining to ensure Chelsea a semi-final meeting with FC Barcelona.

Gerrard out
With Steven Gerrard ruled out with a groin injury, Liverpool’s task looked even more onerous. While their desire was all too apparent, the early passing lacked sufficient sharpness, even if they created a good chance in the 13th minute that Fernando Torres would normally have put away. It was skilfully created by Kuyt and Yossi Benayoun but having sidestepped Alex’s challenge, Torres was unable to keep his shot down.

Chelsea Withstand Stunning Liverpool Surge … read more »

Two headers by Branislav Ivanović and a clinical finish by Didier Drogba brought Chelsea FC to the verge of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals as they ended their barren run of European visits to Liverpool FC.

Goal flurry
Chelsea had only a John Arne Riise own goal to show for the previous four recent UEFA Champions League trips to Anfield but Serbian defender Ivanović, who had never previously scored for Chelsea, found the net from two corners either side of the break, while Drogba neatly tucked the third in from four metres out. Liverpool now have an enormous job on their hands at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday if they are to stay in the competition, despite forging an early lead through Fernando Torres.

Torres strikes
Dirk Kuyt set the move rolling for that sixth-minute goal with a superb back-heel out to the right wing, where Álvaro Arbeloa crossed for Torres to calmly side-foot the ball into the corner of the net from close to the penalty spot. Moments later, Drogba had a glorious chance to equalise when he found himself through on Pepe Reina after being released by Salomon Kalou at the Kop end, but the Spanish goalkeeper – making his 100th appearance in UEFA club competition – blocked the Ivorian striker’s shot, which was straight at his body.

Unlikely Hero Ivanović Heads Chelsea Charge … read more »

Chelsea FC are through to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the third year running after overcoming Juventus 3-2 on aggregate following an exciting 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico.

Essien mark
Vincenzo Iaquinta wiped out Didier Drogba’s first-leg goal after 19 minutes, yet Juventus were left needing to score two more after Michael Essien – making his first start after six months out with a cruciate ligament injury – struck in first-half added time. Although Alessandro Del Piero’s second-half penalty gave the Bianconeri hope, Claudio Ranieri’s men first lost Giorgio Chiellini to a red card on 70 minutes and then the tie as Drogba equalised seven minutes from time.

Nedvěd blow
With Juventus having to overturn a first-leg deficit and Ranieri limited in his midfield options due to myriad injury problems, the former Chelsea boss used a 4-3-3 formation for the first time this season. The hosts began well, David Trezeguet heading Cristian Molinaro’s cross over in the first minute, but were soon cursing their luck as Pavel Nedvěd, who had started strongly, was replaced on 13 minutes by Hasan Salihamidžić. Iaquinta was also lively, dropping deep to supplement the midfield and combining well with his two strike partners. This was no better exemplified than by his magnificent opening goal, as the forward deftly flicked a long ball to Trezeguet, raced on to the Frenchman’s perfect angled pass and applied a sublime clipped finish.

Chelsea Edge Out Juve To Reach Last Eight … read more »

Guus Hiddink admits Chelsea are likely to fall short in their bid to catch Premier League leaders Manchester United.

Hiddink’s side are seven points behind United and have played a game more than the reigning champions.

The Blues can close the gap to four points with a win at Portsmouth on Tuesday, but United will reestablish the advantage if they beat Newcastle at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

United’s ability to grind out narrow wins this season continued on Sunday as they won the League Cup final against Tottenham on penalties and Hiddink concedes it would be extremely surprising if they squandered such a big advantage.

“I am not naive. They have a very good squad, but as long as there is a possibility, you never know. However, realistically, it will be difficult,” Hiddink, speaking at a press conference on Monday, said.

“I like a team that does not give up. I liked the way the team reacted against Wigan after we conceded the goal, and that is just like I see the championship as well. We have to go as long as it is possible.

“We have the ambition to go and be at the top in the end of the May, so we have to stop them.

“They have always been classical clashes between two powerhouses, but let’s make a few steps first.”

Hiddink Admits ´We Will Struggle To Catch United´ … read more »

Michale Ballack wants Guus Hiddink to remain Chelsea boss on a long-term basis. German midfielder Ballack believes the former PSV Eindhoven supremo could be persuaded to stay in west London if the Blues win silverware this season.

He said: “It’s always good for a team if you have consistency. At the moment, the situation is clear – the coach has a contract with Russia and everyone respects this. But in football a lot of things are possible. If we have success with him, maybe he’ll want to stay”.

“We are happy with him. We hope he can stay longer with us but it’s his decision.”