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Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea
Chelsea took command of the Champions League quarter-final against Liverpool as Guus Hiddink's side stunned Anfield with an exhilarating attacking exhibition.
Fernando Torres looked to have put Liverpool on course for another glorious night when he fired Rafael Benitez's in-form European specialists ahead after only six minutes.
But Chelsea responded in style to run out emphatic winners of an enthralling encounter, in which Liverpool played a full part until they were eventually overpowered.
Branislav Ivanovic was Chelsea's unlikely hero, heading goals either side of the interval to put Chelsea ahead - twice taking advantage of Liverpool's familiar Achilles heel, wretched marking at corners.
Didier Drogba, who wasted two excellent opportunities to score before Ivanovic levelled six minutes before the interval, was on target after 67 minutes when he turned in Florent Malouda's left-wing cross from eight yards as Liverpool suddenly collapsed under the weight of Chelsea's pressure.
The only black mark on Chelsea's night was a second-half booking for captain John Terry for a challenge on Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina that rules him out of next week's second leg at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool have specialised in comebacks against the odds in the past, but it is hard to see how Benitez - who will have been left exasperated by his side's defending - can navigate a route out of this one against a Chelsea side who have been rejuvenated by the veteran Hiddink.
In the previous Champions League meetings between the sides it has been almost impossible to separate them, but Chelsea have never adopted such a positive approach before and Hiddink reaped a rich reward.
Anfield was left subdued apart from a defiant rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" at the final whistle - all Liverpool's hopes dashed by Chelsea after the optimism sparked by Torres' early goal.
Chelsea's fans, in contrast, celebrated wildly after a victory that was almost beyond their wildest expectations.
Liverpool's recent resurgence has been characterised by high-tempo openings that have put opponents under instant pressure - and they were at it again in the early stages at a vibrant Anfield.
Dirk Kuyt almost gave Liverpool the perfect start after two minutes when his powerful shot on the turn was deflected inches wide off Ivanovic, but the Kop did not have long to wait to celebrate.
Source: bbc.co.uk
Posted on Wednesday 8th April 2009
