This game lived up to every bit of the hype, pomp, and show that goes with a high profile clash of this kind. Chelsea had trounced the visitors in their backyard, and the Reds simply had to score at least three goals if they wanted to progress to the second last stage of this competition.

Steven Gerrard was out of action through injury, and the task looked even more of an uphill adventure than it did initially. But the desire was clearly seen on the pitch, as the Merseysiders methodically started slow to settle the nerves, and slowly arose to push forward. Aurelio used his brains and caught Cech off his position and scored the go ahead goal around the twenty minute mark. A little less than ten minutes breezed past before Alonso won his side a penalty when Ivanovic had his arms around the Spaniard, before a tug that brought down the red shirt. The 27-year-old stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way to bring back memories of Istanbul, where he scored the third goal from the rebound of a penalty he took, which paved the way for the eventual penalties that the Englishmen dominated.

Managers are wary of making changes during the first half, but Hiddink proved his mettle by replacing Kalou with Anelka in the 36th minute. However, the travellers marched on and almost got a third goal when Kuyt headed a cross from Alonso, but Cech pulled the rabbit out of the hat with his save.

The halftime team talk appeared to have been absorbed well by the players, as the Blues began to play a much better attacking game. A spot of luck allowed the hosts to pull one back, when a slight touch by Drogba caused Reina to err, giving the Pensioners a much needed goal. Six minutes later, Alex fired a bullet that the keeper could do nothing about, and the game was back on terms.

With less that fifteen minutes before the referee brought the proceedings to a halt, the West London club took the lead when Drogba cut one to Lampard, who had no problem with the easy finish. But the Kopites were still on song, and their boys were down, but not out by any measure. Lucas’ exploratory surgery took a deflection off Essien, leaving the keeper with no chance. Two minutes later, an incisive cross by Reira found Kuyt, who sweetly timed his header into the back of the net. The hunt was on, and a miraculous comeback was on the cards, but Lampard hit home again with very little time to go and sealed the game shut.

Liverpool lost the tie on aggregate, but walked away with their heads held high, since their stellar performance will not be forgotten for a long time.

Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool
Aurelio 19 (L), Alonso pen 28 (L), Drogba 51 (C), Alex 57 (C), Lampard 76, 89 (C), Lucas 81 (L), Kuyt 83 (L)

Chelsea: Cech; Cole, Alex, Carvalho, Ivanovic; Lampard, Essien, Ballack; Malouda, Drogba (Di Santo 89), Kalou (Anelka 36)

Liverpool: Reina; Aurelio, Skrtel, Carragher, Arbeloa (Babel 85); Benayoun, Xabi Alonso, Mascherano (Reira 69), Lucas; Torres (N’Gog 80), Kuyt

Ref: Cantalejo (Esp)

Aggregate: Chelsea 7-5 Liverpool

Result: Chelsea go through to the semi-finals and will face Barcelona in their quest for European glory.

Football Italiano