Chelsea Versus Liverpool What A Classic

UEFA Champions League
Home and home competition between Europe’s top football (soccer) clubs from each of Europe’s top domestic leagues: England, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, etc.

Purpose: Determine Europe’s top club team.

Tuesday night’s return leg between Chelsea and Liverpool was a cracker of a game. Chelsea held a significant advantage heading into Tuesday night’s clash at Stamford Bridge after scoring three away goals at Anfield a week ago. Chelsea up 3-1 on aggregate had scored three away goals placing them in a dominant position. Liverpool had significant work to do if they were to overcome Chelsea’s 3-1 aggregate and two away goal advantage. The fireworks to come surprised and delighted everyone.

Liverpool, trailing 3-1 from the first leg at Anfield, stunned Chelsea with two first-half goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso. The score now tied 3-3 on aggregate, still favored Chelsea due to the Blues 3 away goals at Anfield. Nevertheless, things were just getting started.

Three consecutive Chelsea goals in the second half from Alex, Drogba and Lampard put Chelsea in the catbird seat, leading 6-3 on aggregate and away goals. However, this amazing match took another twist when Liverpool scored twice through Lucas and Dirk Kuyt to leave them a single goal away from an unthinkable victory.

Liverpool continued to apply pressure; however, an 89th minute Chelsea goal from Frank Lampard secured the victory for Chelsea. Match score 4-4 on the night, but Chelsea goes through to the semifinals based on the 7-5 aggregate score line.

What an amazing game. For those of us who follow European football, it was a joy to see such a free flowing offensive exhibition. This is what true football is about. No stifling defensive tactics deployed here. Coaches Rafael Benitez and Guus Hiddink seemed content for the game to be a wide open affair. Kudos to the coaches.

If only all coaches and teams adopted this philosophy, perhaps football (soccer) could garner the popularity in the US it rightfully deserves.

Next up for Chelsea in the semifinals is Barcelona, Europe’s top club team in my humble opinion. I’m picking Barcelona to win the whole shebang, so Chelsea should savor tonight’s great victory. Chelsea’s Champion’s League campaign will soon end at the hands of the eventual champions, Barcelona.