Mourinho Pays Penalty!

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Liverpool 1 - 0 Chelsea (Agg 1 – 1)


Liverpool won through to the European Championship Final in a penalty shoot out. It was a hard fought second leg, played out before the Kops adoring fans, who played their part and uplifted their team with thunderous support.


It must be said that, on the day, the best team won. At times Chelsea looked tired, and perhaps a long season and high expectations have taken their toll. Liverpool looked fresher. They created better chances, and should have gone ahead, in extra time, without the need for a penalty shoot out, but Kuyt's goal was controversially given offside.


The home side eliminated Chelsea's lead from the first leg after 22 minutes, with a well-rehearsed set piece that bamboozled the visitors. Steven Gerrard was brought down by Joe Cole, and took the free kick himself. He slid the ball along the ground, and whilst Kuyt misled a bewildered defence, Agger thumped it home. Ten minutes later Drogba nearly got one back but was denied by Reina.


Liverpool came on strong again in the second half, but Cech was in the right place and down on his haunches, to save from Peter Crouch. Kuyt was having a good night, and rattled the woodwork with a powerful shot. At the other end, Carragher stood up well to a somewhat isolated Drogba, beating him to an Andy Cole cross.


In extra time Kuyt scored a goal that should have ended the matter, but he was harshly judged to be offside. TV replays showed that only his torso, and not his feet, was beyond the defensive line. It was a hard decision but the game moved on to be decided by penalties.


Two great goalkeepers were up against it, and for once the peerless Petr Cech did not have the answers. Hero of the hour, or two hours as it happened, was Jose Reina, who saved first from Robben, and then Gerimi. Dirk Kuyt was obviously delighted after striking the winning penalty for Liverpool, to erase the memory of his disallowed goal.


This was a great night for a great club, who have won a date in Athens - even possibly with another football colossus and near neighbour!


Tags:
Liverpool Vs Chelsea
soccer and football
Liverpool Vs Chelsea