Barca He We Come

By Since66
April 15 2009

Where do you start picking the bones out of that from last night - The Greatest European Game of All Time? - will do for a start. Or howabout I didn't toddle off to the boudoir till after 3.30 this morning. I mean how the hell can you go to bed at a sensible time after that fare served up.

What a night. Not just for Chelsea, not just for Liverpool, but for the millions at home watching on the telly and of course UEFA who must be rubbing their hands with glee that a match with two rivals who know each other too well, could provide a thrilling ninety minutes any European night could bring.

Well lets start on to getting to the game. I had this premonition that Liverpool would score first and then get a second. After that, all premonitions stopped - this is Chelsea after all. THE GLORIOUS UNPREDICTABILITY!!

But I knew Chelsea would score, the first goal of the game would have been nice, not the third.

Even when the news filtered through that Gerrard was out, his absence didn't change my demeanour.

The utmost credit must be given to Benitez and his team. They were the quickest out of the blocks and were 2-0 up before the half hour mark.

First, Cech leaving a gap as wide as the Dartford Tunnel, allowed an Aurelio free-kick to whizz past him then after Alonso was held back in the area by Ivanovic, Alonso coolly despatched the penalty at the Matthew Harding end of The Bridge.

Liverpool's dream miracle looked on. Chelsea looked dazed, down and out.

Thank God for half-time. Hiddink gave his men a 'right good kicking' and within five minutes of the second-half restarting Drogba nipped in from an Anelka cross to make it 2-1 on the night, 4-3 on agg.

Six minutes later, Alex equalised with a stunner of a free-kick. 2-2, 5-3 on agg. Now it was Liverpool's turn to be dazed, down and out. Not at all, Liverpool came back and created chances of their own causing shredded nerves around the Blue flags flying high.

Ballack should have buried Liverpool and put the tie beyond doubt, but he shot weakly allowing Reina to save. Fifteen minutes from time Super Frank swept home - 3-2, 6-3 on agg. Let the party begin!!

No! Get out of here! Back came Liverpool again, first Lucas scored via a deflection from Essien and then a minute later Kuyt headed home from close range. Eight minutes to go, Liverpool needed just one more goal. 3-4, 6-5 on agg.

Essien cleared off the line at 3-4. Two minutes from time, Super Frank swept the ball home of both posts and Chelsea had crossed the finish line.

Liverpool, thank you for shredding my nerves. Chelsea, thank you for being Chelsea, I just wouldn't want it any other way.

The Greatest European Game of All Time? I think so.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Carvalho, A Cole, Ballack, Essien, Kalou (Anelka 35), Lampard (c), Malouda, Drogba (Di Santo 93)

Goals: Drogba 50, Alex 56, Lampard 75, 88
Booked: Ivanovic 18, Carvalho 58, Cole 65


Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa (Babel 84), Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Mascherano (Riera 69), Alonso, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres (Ngog 79), Benayoun

Goals: Aurelio 18, Alonso 27 (pen), Lucas 80, Kuyt 82.
Booked: Benayoun 40, Arbeloa 73

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=55812363

 

Champions League QF 2nd Leg: Chelsea 4 (7) 4 (5) Liverpool

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 15/04/2009 10:12

50 Years Over 100 Years
15/04/2009 10:12

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

Rog
15/04/2009 11:21

As a Liverpool fan, I should be depressed right now, but strangely I'm not. What a game, I'm very proud of the players for making a fight of it and proud we were a part of it. Oddly enough I even have more respect for Chelsea because of it. It was like two boxers giving each other a hiding, it perhaps makes you closer. So much better than previous encounters! I now hope Chelsea go on to win it, better to be beaten by the eventual winners, plus you can't say they don't deserve it after that entertaining battle. I still think the first chelsea goal swung it, not any team talk!

Reply Quote Report

Since 66
15/04/2009 14:24

Cheers Rog. I am sure the half-time team talk helped though.

You are right about the previous 'dour' encounters.

This though was the best of the bunch and if a DVD comes out, it should be a best seller.


Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

Reply Quote Report

dixon9
15/04/2009 15:05

A truly epic encounter! It should go down as one of the all-time European matches.

We asked for it in the first half. We played far too deep. We weren´t in the match,made far too many errors and Liverpool could only accept the invitation and take advantage.

Amazing 2nd half. 4 goals from us but Liverpool kept going and kept the outcome reasonably uncertain. Fightback spirit from Liverpool and superb resilience from us - both teams should be commended.

Valdano can lick the s.h.i.t off that stick of his and Platini knows what he can do.



.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

Reply Quote Report

Since 66
15/04/2009 15:09

Two highlights before the game for me - Since88 went inside the ground. I stayed outside to have the last pre-match fags and I bumped into Tommy Langley and shook his hand, plus I had a real good chat with Paul Canoville - what a great bloke and he appreciated the Since 66 on my shirt - I congratulated him on his award for his book Black and Blue

cheers Paul



Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

Reply Quote Report

Since 66
15/04/2009 15:11

I also got a pic or two as well. Jason Cundy, David Lee and Tore Andre Flo

Great night all round

Wembley here we come.



Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

Reply Quote Report

dixon9
15/04/2009 15:13

Well done sir!

What an extra-special night for you!



.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

Reply Quote Report

Since 66
15/04/2009 15:15

Dixie fella. My voice is wrecked LOL
Need it back for Saturday



Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

Reply Quote Report

dixon9
15/04/2009 16:22

(Match highlights video that was deleted by host now updated - now 20 min highlight vid).


.



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

Reply Quote Report

dixon9
15/04/2009 17:27

Thommo/Hasslebaink reactions:

">LINK



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

Reply Quote Report

Since 66
15/04/2009 17:58

saw tommo's on SSN

Jimmy was non-plussed and he was graceful in his reprise



Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free

Reply Quote Report

Message List Search Log In

Your Name:
Subject:

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net