Three of the four semi-finalists in the European Cup/Champions League (call it what you will) were English teams.
In last night's all-English Semi Final, 2nd Leg, Liverpool overcame their West London rivals Chelsea, beating them in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after the aggregate from the two legs finished level. That means Liverpool will now play either AC Milan (the team Liverpool faced in the 2005 Final) or either Manchester United (which would mean the first-ever all-English European Cup Final).
Liverpool are now in their SEVENTH European Cup Final and their second in three years. They won won the tournament 5 times.
--------------------------------------------
Acropolis now for Rafa's men
CHEER WE GO ... Liverpool stars roar their joy as Dirk Kuyt’s penalty-kick in the penalty shootout seals the club’s place in Athens
By PHIL THOMAS
May 02, 2007
European Cup/Champions League Semi Final, Second Leg
Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Agger 22
(Aggregate: 1-1) After extra time, Liverpool won 4-1 on penalties.
STEVEN GERRARD led a chorus of Greece is the word as Liverpool stormed into the Champions League final.
Rafa Benitez’s Reds went wild after a nailbiting shoot-out win dumped Chelsea from their third Euro semi-final in four years.
And Kop skipper Gerrard thanked Blues boss Jose Mourinho for firing them up.
He said: “Mourinho did the team talk for us. We read all the Press and although he’s great for the game, he makes us laugh sometimes.
“I thought it was a little disrespectful to call us a little club but there you go. But for a little club, getting to two European Cup finals in three years isn’t bad, eh?
“This is one of the best nights of my life. The first one was special two years ago but to do it again when you’re 1-0 down against such a good side as Chelsea, is a wonderful achievement.
"We gave everything — we all fought and believed and nobody can say that we did not deserve it.”
Daniel Agger’s first-half goal tied the aggregate score at 1-1 before keeper Pepe Reina produced two wonder saves in the penalty shoot-out.
Liverpool sealed a 4-1 win on spot-kicks to leave themselves on the brink of a sixth Euro crown.
Mourinho moaned: “Everyone has to be strong at a moment like this but I could not be prouder of the team.
"Even against a team that was only playing for the Champions League we were stronger physically and mentally.
"We were the only team trying to win in 90 minutes and then extra time.
“People keep speaking about the atmosphere but it was not a problem for us.
"We were still throwing
Benitez admitted: “It is the most satisfying night for me. When we have these fans behind us, that really plays a part. I am so proud of everyone.”
thesun.co.uk
*************************************
Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0
AGGER COUP ... defender Daniel celebrates his opening goal, his first ever goal in a European competition
By SHAUN CUSTIS
May 02, 2007
LIVERPOOL and Europe — they are just made for each other.
Why worry about the Premiership?
On another epic Champions League night, the Reds ripped open Chelsea hearts again.
Just as in 2005, on the way to that unforgettable victory in Istanbul, Rafa Benitez has got the better of his arch-enemy Jose Mourinho.
This time it was even closer than the last, on penalties, goalkeeper Pepe Reina saving from Arjen Robben and Geremi in the shoot-out.
And no one could begrudge Liverpool a seventh final in Athens on May 23 — and a bid for their sixth European Cup.
While Mourinho moaned about the goal which beat Chelsea two years ago, Benitez would have had every reason to complain had Liverpool been denied here.
Daniel Agger’s sweet strike from a cleverly worked free-kick by Steven Gerrard had cancelled out Joe Cole’s first-leg goal.
Then, in extra time, Dirk Kuyt slammed the ball home after Petr Cech saved sub Xabi Alonso’s drive.
Replays proved that Kuyt was onside when Alonso struck, but the linesman’s flag went up and referee Manuel Gonzalez pointed for a free-kick as the Dutchman raced around Anfield celebrating.
Yet Kuyt had the last word, firing home the decisive penalty in the shootout which settled it.
Up in the stands one poor lady who had been racked with tension throughout the 120 minutes, exploded with joy. None other than Montse Benitez who had suffered more than anyone.
She watched the game with her hands clasped tightly and was praying during the penalties.
At one point she even hid behind a barrier barely able to look.
But once Kuyt’s shot hit the net, Mrs Benitez hugged everyone she could find in the directors’ box.
This remember was the woman who told Rafa not to take the Real Madrid job and stay at Liverpool. Anfield owes her.
You could not fault Chelsea’s effort at Anfield. They tried hard enough but it was a disjointed performance and they created few chances. This is a tired side.
Liverpool were strong and commanding at the back and brought the fans to a crescendo with the 22nd minute goal.
Joe Cole brought down Gerrard on the left and, as the Liverpool skipper lined up the dead ball, it looked a certainty he was aiming for the far post.
But, at the last moment, Gerrard rolled the ball sideways to Agger and the Danish defender smacked a left-foot shot low into the corner from the edge of the box.
It was one right off the training ground and was executed perfectly.
For all Liverpool had the lead, they knew a Chelsea goal would probably end their dreams.
And it almost came on 32 minutes after Javier Mascherano gave the ball to Didier Drogba.
His shot was firm enough but too close to Reina and the Spanish keeper saved well.
Michael Essien, who had a fine game at the back, should have turned in a close-range chance but the ball hit his shoulder rather than his head and bounced wide.
DIRK'S SPOT ON ... Kuyt's penalty seals victory
It was Liverpool who began the second half the stronger and Peter Crouch was denied by Cech’s legs.
Then Kuyt’s header cannoned off the bar before Essien threw himself to deflect Jermaine Pennant’s volley over the bar.
At the other end Jamie Carragher — immense on the night along with Agger — made a sensational clearance to prevent Drogba slotting home Ashley Cole’s cross.
So to extra-time where Liverpool again looked the stronger.
Kuyt scored his ‘offside’ goal — which would surely have caused merry hell had Liverpool not gone through — and Cech saved from Kuyt as the game ended.
Penalties would decide it and from the moment Zenden confidently walloped home Liverpool’s opener you got the feeling it was destiny that the men from Anfield should reach their seventh final.
Robben shot towards the bottom corner and Reina was across to save to put Liverpool in the box seat.
Alonso and Lampard both scored, then Gerrard rattled in another before Reina saved from Geremi.
It was fitting it should be left to Kuyt to complete the job.
Liverpool fans and players began the party while Chelsea collapsed in despair with skipper John Terry in tears.
Mourinho had disparagingly labelled Liverpool a cup side in the build-up to this tie.
Last night they proved the Special One was right — as always!
thesun.co.uk
In last night's all-English Semi Final, 2nd Leg, Liverpool overcame their West London rivals Chelsea, beating them in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout after the aggregate from the two legs finished level. That means Liverpool will now play either AC Milan (the team Liverpool faced in the 2005 Final) or either Manchester United (which would mean the first-ever all-English European Cup Final).
Liverpool are now in their SEVENTH European Cup Final and their second in three years. They won won the tournament 5 times.
--------------------------------------------
Acropolis now for Rafa's men
CHEER WE GO ... Liverpool stars roar their joy as Dirk Kuyt’s penalty-kick in the penalty shootout seals the club’s place in Athens
By PHIL THOMAS
May 02, 2007
European Cup/Champions League Semi Final, Second Leg
Liverpool 1-0 Chelsea
Agger 22
(Aggregate: 1-1) After extra time, Liverpool won 4-1 on penalties.
STEVEN GERRARD led a chorus of Greece is the word as Liverpool stormed into the Champions League final.
Rafa Benitez’s Reds went wild after a nailbiting shoot-out win dumped Chelsea from their third Euro semi-final in four years.
And Kop skipper Gerrard thanked Blues boss Jose Mourinho for firing them up.
He said: “Mourinho did the team talk for us. We read all the Press and although he’s great for the game, he makes us laugh sometimes.
“I thought it was a little disrespectful to call us a little club but there you go. But for a little club, getting to two European Cup finals in three years isn’t bad, eh?
“This is one of the best nights of my life. The first one was special two years ago but to do it again when you’re 1-0 down against such a good side as Chelsea, is a wonderful achievement.
"We gave everything — we all fought and believed and nobody can say that we did not deserve it.”
Daniel Agger’s first-half goal tied the aggregate score at 1-1 before keeper Pepe Reina produced two wonder saves in the penalty shoot-out.
Liverpool sealed a 4-1 win on spot-kicks to leave themselves on the brink of a sixth Euro crown.
Mourinho moaned: “Everyone has to be strong at a moment like this but I could not be prouder of the team.
"Even against a team that was only playing for the Champions League we were stronger physically and mentally.
"We were the only team trying to win in 90 minutes and then extra time.
“People keep speaking about the atmosphere but it was not a problem for us.
"We were still throwing
Benitez admitted: “It is the most satisfying night for me. When we have these fans behind us, that really plays a part. I am so proud of everyone.”
thesun.co.uk
*************************************
Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0
AGGER COUP ... defender Daniel celebrates his opening goal, his first ever goal in a European competition
May 02, 2007
LIVERPOOL and Europe — they are just made for each other.
Why worry about the Premiership?
On another epic Champions League night, the Reds ripped open Chelsea hearts again.
Just as in 2005, on the way to that unforgettable victory in Istanbul, Rafa Benitez has got the better of his arch-enemy Jose Mourinho.
This time it was even closer than the last, on penalties, goalkeeper Pepe Reina saving from Arjen Robben and Geremi in the shoot-out.
And no one could begrudge Liverpool a seventh final in Athens on May 23 — and a bid for their sixth European Cup.
While Mourinho moaned about the goal which beat Chelsea two years ago, Benitez would have had every reason to complain had Liverpool been denied here.
Daniel Agger’s sweet strike from a cleverly worked free-kick by Steven Gerrard had cancelled out Joe Cole’s first-leg goal.
Then, in extra time, Dirk Kuyt slammed the ball home after Petr Cech saved sub Xabi Alonso’s drive.
Replays proved that Kuyt was onside when Alonso struck, but the linesman’s flag went up and referee Manuel Gonzalez pointed for a free-kick as the Dutchman raced around Anfield celebrating.
Yet Kuyt had the last word, firing home the decisive penalty in the shootout which settled it.
Up in the stands one poor lady who had been racked with tension throughout the 120 minutes, exploded with joy. None other than Montse Benitez who had suffered more than anyone.
She watched the game with her hands clasped tightly and was praying during the penalties.
At one point she even hid behind a barrier barely able to look.
But once Kuyt’s shot hit the net, Mrs Benitez hugged everyone she could find in the directors’ box.
This remember was the woman who told Rafa not to take the Real Madrid job and stay at Liverpool. Anfield owes her.
You could not fault Chelsea’s effort at Anfield. They tried hard enough but it was a disjointed performance and they created few chances. This is a tired side.
Liverpool were strong and commanding at the back and brought the fans to a crescendo with the 22nd minute goal.
Joe Cole brought down Gerrard on the left and, as the Liverpool skipper lined up the dead ball, it looked a certainty he was aiming for the far post.
But, at the last moment, Gerrard rolled the ball sideways to Agger and the Danish defender smacked a left-foot shot low into the corner from the edge of the box.
It was one right off the training ground and was executed perfectly.
For all Liverpool had the lead, they knew a Chelsea goal would probably end their dreams.
And it almost came on 32 minutes after Javier Mascherano gave the ball to Didier Drogba.
His shot was firm enough but too close to Reina and the Spanish keeper saved well.
Michael Essien, who had a fine game at the back, should have turned in a close-range chance but the ball hit his shoulder rather than his head and bounced wide.
DIRK'S SPOT ON ... Kuyt's penalty seals victory
It was Liverpool who began the second half the stronger and Peter Crouch was denied by Cech’s legs.
Then Kuyt’s header cannoned off the bar before Essien threw himself to deflect Jermaine Pennant’s volley over the bar.
At the other end Jamie Carragher — immense on the night along with Agger — made a sensational clearance to prevent Drogba slotting home Ashley Cole’s cross.
So to extra-time where Liverpool again looked the stronger.
Kuyt scored his ‘offside’ goal — which would surely have caused merry hell had Liverpool not gone through — and Cech saved from Kuyt as the game ended.
Penalties would decide it and from the moment Zenden confidently walloped home Liverpool’s opener you got the feeling it was destiny that the men from Anfield should reach their seventh final.
Robben shot towards the bottom corner and Reina was across to save to put Liverpool in the box seat.
Alonso and Lampard both scored, then Gerrard rattled in another before Reina saved from Geremi.
It was fitting it should be left to Kuyt to complete the job.
Liverpool fans and players began the party while Chelsea collapsed in despair with skipper John Terry in tears.
Mourinho had disparagingly labelled Liverpool a cup side in the build-up to this tie.
Last night they proved the Special One was right — as always!
thesun.co.uk
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