The semi finals are really filled with surprises. Everything was going well for Liverpool. They were leading 1-0 the whole game. The advantage came from Dirk Kuyt. It was a slight advantage and at any moment, the blues could've equalized at any time.
And equalize they did! Although this didn't come from any of their players. Five minutes into injury time, John Riise, Liverpool's defender, gave away an header own goal which gave the Blues a chance to get back in the game.
Chelsea's performance wasn't as high as we expected it to be. Even though they had some decent attempts, it was seen that they weren't in their zone.
Chelsea looked tentative with Frank Lampard's set-pieces unproductive and Petr Cech unusually hesitant between the sticks. - goal.com
It was seen that after the first half, Chelsea's team of top players were being overshadowed by Liverpool Mids Gerrard and Alonso, as they were the ones who were dictating the game's movement.
Here is something that's really inspirational.
The midfielder told LiverpoolFC.tv, "Obviously we're disappointed with the late goal but it's done. We've got to pick ourselves up. We've got to get a result at the weekend then give it everything we can at Stamford Bridge. We know this tie is not over.
"It's my job as captain to pick the boys up and make sure we're ready for next week.
"Let people say Chelsea are favourites, let them. We've got to block that out and do what we've got to do. We are confident we can beat Chelsea on their patch."
Take A Chance
He continued, "We've created the better chances against them here. I don't think Pepe had anything to do besides pick the ball out late doors.
"Petr Cech has had to pull off two or three great saves. To be honest, we'd have been disappointed if this game had ended 1-0 when it could have been 2-0."
"Criticism of Kuyt? I haven't heard him get any stick. We don't listen to any of that (the media). Dirk has been fantastic for us, he's worked his socks off for us again tonight and deserved his goal. He is well respected in the dressing room."
On Riise's own goal, he said, "These ties are decided on small details and Chelsea have had a bit of luck here at the end, but maybe we'll get that luck at Stamford Bridge. This team wins, loses and draws together.
"It's the second leg of the European Cup semi-final – if you can't motivate yourself for that you shouldn't be playing football." - Goal.com
The semifinal leg is already here. Ever player of every team should be able to play at that level. No matter what happens, may it good or bad, the players should be able to pick themselves up and get themselves ready for the next series of battles for the Cup.
Teams:
Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Gerrard, Torres.Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Riise, Benayoun, Crouch, Pennant, Lucas.
Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Lampard, Makelele, Ballack, Joe Cole, Drogba, Malouda.Subs: Hilario, Shevchenko, Obi, Kalou, Alex, Belletti, Anelka.
-goal.com
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