Was I the only neutral who fought off sleep during the game?
Over the course of 210 minutes – that’s 3 and a half hours for you – two teams, one that has won two back to back Premiership titles and the other that was supposedly their biggest rivals this season, failed to entertain. It’s not a good advert for beautiful football, but does it really matter, now that Liverpool are in the Champions League final for the second time in 3 years?
The biggest story of this season will be a grudging acceptance of Liverpool’s right to be in the top echelon of Europe. A lot of us (including myself) called Liverpool’s 2005 campaign a bit of a fluke, this season will be hard to call the same. They beat Barcelona and Chelsea, and to top it off there have been no goal controversies to give the opposition any ammunition.
Chelsea’s luck ran out a few games ago, and they’ve been suffering since. The mini-slump – two draws against Newcastle and Bolton and now a semi-final defeat – has effectively ended their season unless they can beat Arsenal and Manchester City can beat Manchester United on the weekend. The combined odds of that outcome happening are low.
Liverpool now have a dream final no matter who they face. In AC Milan it will be a reprise of Istanbul 2005, and this time you feel that Liverpool will be a lot stronger and could win a bit more convincingly. In Manchester United it will be revisiting one of the fiercest rivalries in the Premiership transported to Europe’s main stage, and you can bet your house that it will be bloody entertaining.
Liverpool’s goal (Agger)
Second Leg Preview
Can Chelsea survive the Anfield roar? Will Mourinho cry foul at Anfield’s 12th man’s support? Can Liverpool actually repeat their 2-0 January result and go to the Champions League final for the 2nd time in 3 years?
Depending on which side you hear, anything is possible.
The majority of football fans are looking at Chelsea’s 1-0 lead, and their history, and think that Liverpool can’t overturn them. I’m inclined to agree. Chelsea are likely to score in every game they play, and with a one goal advantage, if Chelsea score Liverpool will have to put through 3 goals in 90 minutes.
Do you see Liverpool doing that? As a neutral, I don’t. I do see both sides scoring goals, but 3 goals even at home against Chelsea may be a big ask. Chelsea haven’t won the last two Premierships and pushed United to the very end this season as a fluke – they’re a strong side and despite Carvalho’s, Ballack’s and Sheva’s absences, they should be strong enough to not concede 3 goals.
Chelsea vs Liverpool might not be pretty football for the neutral, but with so many talented players on the pitch something magical is bound to happen (no, not that kind of magic) – and in the first leg it was Drogba’s run that set Joe Cole up for a tap in.
Speaking of the first leg, a lot of people said that Chelsea looked tired – I’d say that Chelsea did as much as was necessary and then focused on containment. At Anfield, Chelsea know that they need to score once and after that they can contain and play on the counter.
Liverpool’s chances of winning lie in Gerrard’s and Crouchie’s hands – and I fully expect those two to turn up and deliver. Liverpool are fresher, focused and Rafa Benitez always managed to gee up their motivation several notches when it comes to the Champions League.
Before the first leg, Mourinho said that he would have been sacked if he had been as unsuccessful as Benitez in the Premiership. Benitez has came back this time and said that with all the money spent on the Chelsea squad, the pressure to win is far greater on Chelsea than it is on Liverpool. Of course, he’s right 🙂
Disciplinary Situation
No players are suspended, but several players are on yellow cards and would miss the next match (the final, potentially) if they got a yellow card:
Liverpool: Javier Mascherano, Jermaine Pennant
Chelsea: Michael Ballack, Joe Cole, Lassana Diarra, Didier Drogba, Arjen Robben
Chelsea vs Liverpool – Match Details
First leg played at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday, 25th April, Chelsea won 1-0.
Second leg to be played at Anfield on Tuesday, 1st May.
Both games will start at 19:45 GMT.
Match reports plus goal videos will be up for each leg the next morning.
Chelsea Preview
Chelsea have played the most games of the season in the Premiership and it is a testament to the players’ mental strength that the side is still in the hunt for the quadruple. To add to it, Chelsea have had to deal with the public inquest into the Mourinho-Abramovich rift and the subsequent rumours of Mourinho’s departure.
The fatigue will have an effect on Chelsea, but with Terry / Cech back, Mourinho’s sole worry will be in keeping their players out of the referee’s notebook.
Joe Cole, Michael Ballack, Lassana Diarra, Arjen Robben and Drogba
Didier Drogba, Joe Cole and Lassana Diara are one yellow card away from suspensions. With Ballack and Robben injured, and Carvalho a doubt (although he trained on Tuesday and without Essien playing (suspended) Mourinho will do everything he can to play him), things are tough for Chelsea.
But as is the case with Mourinho, when things get tough, he gets going. He has outdone himself this time – talking about old controversies and what not, picking holes in Rafa’s tactics and methods with scant regard for his own. The worst part was his statement that Liverpool would try to get his players booked. For me, whether it’s true or not, it’s an extremely irresponsible thing to say and it only serves to heighten the tension during the game.
But then again, that’s how Chelsea work – they need to be strongly pushed, mentally and physically, to play well. You can be guaranteed that Chelsea will come out of the blocks charging, looking to score a couple of quick goals.
Liverpool Preview
Chelsea vs Liverpool has been very interesting over the last 3 years. Liverpool knocked them out at this stage 2 years ago thanks to a controversial goal, they drew the two group stage matches last season and finished behind Liverpool in second place (thus getting picked to face Barcelona in the second round and exiting the Champions League a bit early).
This season, Chelsea lost the Community Shield, won at Stamford Bridge but capitulated at Anfield.
Liverpool have the easier build up to the game but that shouldn’t be too much of an advantage – despite Liverpool’s ability to match Chelsea toe to toe in recent games, they’re not a better side player for player. It will take a special team effort – and something special from Rafa – for Liverpool to beat Chelsea (just as it would take something special for Chelsea to beat Liverpool).
Liverpool have, in the last couple of years, managed to raise their game when they play Chelsea – whether they can do it again and whether Rafa can outwit Mourinho remains to be seen.
Let’s hope that the tie is decided cleanly without controversial decisions or penalty shootouts.
If Liverpool follow the same tactics they used against Barcelona, they’ll defend deep and their main goal is going to be to get the away goal.
The only difference is, Chelsea won’t self-destruct. Liverpool will be pushed to the limit, mentally and physical, to win this game.
Predictions
It’s tough to pick a winner between the two – both sides have their weaknesses and strengths.
However, Liverpool do have an advantage with the second leg being at Anfield and the fact that the players will be fresher. Incidentally, Chelsea have to play Arsenal at the Emirates a few days after playing Liverpool at Anfield and then host United at Stamford Bridge. Those games could pretty much decide Chelsea’s season.
As a United fan, I know that I’d rather play Liverpool than Chelsea in the final (if we get there) – in a one-off game, Chelsea’s ability to win at the death is very dangerous.
What do you guys think?
Plus there is Michael Essien to consider – the man has been simply phenomenal for Chelsea this season and he will be a key figure for Chelsea in this tie whether he plays at right-back or in midfield. – BUT HE’S SUSPENDED FROM THE FIRST LEG AND CHELSEA HAVE 4 OTHERS WHO IF THEY GET A YELLOW WILL BE SUSPENDED FRO THE FINAL. THE BIG ISSUE MAY BE KEEPING ENOUGH CHELSEA PLAYERS AVAILABLE TO WIN
I for one wouldn’t follow a live blog of the game…I’d just be watching the game instead…
if you could set up some sort of imbedded chatroom or something.. i wouldnt know how to go about doing that.. but its a great idea.. exchanging views with other fans (non fans haha) and discussing controversial descisions is always fun
IF, IF liverpool get past chelsea i would prefer to play milan in the final. I dont think they are as strong as they were two years ago. Also they will psychologically damaged by us. The reason i dont want united in the final is (not because im afraid of them) but because if they do win (it could really go either way)It would be absolutely hell to loose such an important match against our rivals. And it could also hand you guys the treble. An absolutely unbearable thought…I would ignore all tv, internet and newspapers for a month. However, the flip side of the coin is that united loosing would hand us our 6th european cup. that thought must surely be awful to you guys. Ahmed are you really sure you want liverpool in the final?? Also, i have grave concerns over the possibility of over 100,000 drunk english fans being able to control themselves, particularly with uniteds track record recently…
Hugo – I agree. But some people might not get to watch the game.
I do think that joninjapan’s right – a discussion thread would be far more useful. A chatroom is possible but could be heavy on the server, you guys can discuss the match here if you want but it does get tedious to sift through the comments.
I’ll try to figure something out, otherwise we can talk here 🙂
PlasticScouser – Liverpool, we can take them in a heartbeat.
Chelsea would give us a tougher game, although we can beat them too.
United’s recent track record – haha, that’s a good one PS.
Ahmed… you prefer liverpool in the final?
It’s fair to say that although the result went against Liverpool, the last time manu and liverpool met Liverpool played man u off the park, chelsea is a tough game, but no tougher than liverpool. the worst thing about a liv / manu final would be crowd trouble, and a heavy handed, non english speaking police force not capable of defusing it.
Just like i said, either team would give you trouble in the final. If i was a manu fan, i wouldnt want liverpool in final. 6 times maybe? how would that feel?
Just something on the liverpool rivals.net board. A poll revealed that 58% want milan in final, 28% united and rest not bothered.
PS – they’re scared 😛
i as a red of course think we can take Chelsea, but its gonna be tight no matter what way either teams take up the challenge.i hope liverpool come out and really pressure Chelsea as i think it will worry the boys in their defence due to the strength and sustanance of our attack. i really have also enjoyed the season this year too. we finished further away but its still been very enjoyable great goals and a few upsets along the way. thats why we keep coming back for more
Should ManU win, I know we stand a better chance if we get Liverpool in the final. But, I have to go with my heart and not my head on this one…Screw Liverpool!!! I hope we meet Chelsea. I will not be able to bear the 6-t-i-m-e-s at all!!! And, this coming from a team who has never won the Premiership? I’d rather we take our chances with Chelsea. Like SAF said, “we like doing things the hard way anyway” 🙂
Btw. No insult intended to Liverpool – just trying to state a point. Know what I mean? 🙂
Yeah,Chelsea have big names,Essien in good shape all the season,confident Terry at back and strong Drogba forward.Mourinho rotate maybe 18 players and most important players are allways fit for big matches.But it’s end of season,Chelsea have battles on three fronts,in sunday play vs Arsenal,and other weekend against United.Liverpool always do their best at the end of the season.And,I think they play their best against big teams.This year,Liverpool smash three big teams:Barcelona,Chelsea and Arsenal,and even I’m ManU fan,i must to say,despite Liverpool defeat, they was the best side against ManU.Don’t forget Gerrard…this player is born match winner in particular in big,important matches.Remember 3goals after 0:3 against Milan.I like to see Liverpool in final against United.
i believe the final will be between chelsea and ac milan we the blues have the capacity to go on we won our first european trophy in anthens and we are winning this game against liverpool home and away and whose so ever in the final god save them essien inclusion in the second league will be a disaster for liverpool
and lastly we believe our sundays game against newcastle is a big blessing in disguise for we are dropping no more point any more blues foreever
ahmed i wish you would actually check which players are available before writing your articles. Since you failed to check your facts, your preview of chelsea is essentially a load of b*llocks
Cute, but this article was written a long time ago. I’ve edited the date so it shows up in the recent posts and is easier to find.
So Ballack and Carvalho being injured was not in my future-seeing crystal ball, i’m afraid.
Will update this page before the game starts. Can you keep your pants on till then?
cheers mate, thanks for pointing it out.
Excellent goal, credit to Drogba for creating that.
A point on Petr Cech:
In the Newcastle game, a throw went past the half-way line.
Just now, against Liverpool, a kick from within his area went straight into the Liverpool penalty area.
This guy is scary.
Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt admits they tried to get Chelsea striker Didier Drogba booked in the first leg of their Champions League semi clash last week.
Kuyt said: “Drogba got a tough time from our defenders in the first leg of the semi-final.
“We knew he was on a yellow card and that if he got another it would cost him his place in the second leg.”
Drogba survived the match without being booked.
Thats a quote from a website btw not me.
Richard – It doesnt mean they tried to get him booked. Its a stratergie that many defenders use on Drogba and being aware of the fact that he would miss the next game doesnt mean they tried to get him booked. I watched the match and didnt see any dirty tactics on Drogba. Correct me if im wrong.
Ahmed – Agree with you on the Verdict. I dont see Chelsea scoring a blank, and considering how close these games are it would be unusual if Liverpool were able to be Chelsea 3-1 or 4-2.
Chelsea are missing some key players, like Ricardo Calvalho, and i expect Essien to play Centre-Back with Diarra/Geremi at Right-back. Although they have these key injuries, i still expect them to win (Win the Tie but not the game).
If Liverpool do pull it off, i feel they need to play Riise in a more attacking role instead of left back. Man! can he let them rip!
Being a United Fan, anyone of these teams would be a challenge to beat in the final and IF (and a big if) United do the business on Wednesday and make the final, i think they would prefer Liverpool over Chelsea due to there record this season against them.
Footballfan – Im not deneying that United were lucky to beat Liverpool at Anfield (3 points say something else), but Liverpool Go up 2-3 gears when they play at Anfield and that was totally expected. On a neutral ground however, you will find that its much more close, and being a English final you would expect it to be played at premiership pace and that would give United the benefit due to their superiority in the league.
Another point is that no Liverpool player is really in Red Hot Form, and i dont agree with those who say Crouch is in form because his not! This is compared to the Likes of Rooney and Ronaldo, and to some lesser extent Scholes and Carrick (Watch Scholes in the AC and Everton game in the last 30 minutes why) and you have to admit it looks bad for the finalist. Again, assuming that United make it :S
Very smart goal by Liverpool, although I’m surprised that Chelsea didn’t cover that better.
rafa the tactician !! an early goal for liverpool, and after that they played for the penalties. jose must be furious they were knock out for the second time by the reds.
as a man utd fan, allow me to state my view now that this match is over (the second leg too).
i personally prefer liverpool to chelsea in the CL finals, not because they are “easier to beat” or “lousier”. those are bull shit reasons lah. i respect other teams enough to trust my own team’s abilities and not that other teams are “not as good”.
more specifically, it’s because the man utd is already meeting chelsea a confirmed 2 times in these remaining few weeks that is worrying. adding on another time will just make it all the more harder for us to put 3 wins past them.
so many games against the same opposition in such a short space of time just gives them time to get used to our players and tactics. its mighty different when watching your opponents play against other opposition, than to have experience of playing your team. an example would be, assuming liverpool plays man utd in the CL finals, it is most definite that they would watch man utd’s latest few matches, probably those against chelsea in EPL and in FA cup. but that would be different from gaining experience by PLAYING against them!
thus playing a different team, such as liverpool and not chelsea, would give SAF the ability to not have to vary his tactics so drastically. and that is why i prefer liverpool to chelsea. =)