Chelsea 4 Liverpool 4

Heads held high! There's no shame in this draw. Although Liverpool lose out on a 7-5 aggregate, the way they played at Chelsea meant everyone associated to Liverpool Football Club can be proud of the team. This may not be the biggest joy but the four goals, commitment, and attitude of the players, the night was for the 96.

"Justice for the 96, Justice!"

After the first leg, I still believe Liverpool could do it. There must be a lot of believers like me as well as skeptics. On the night, Liverpool nearly did it. When Aurelio scored the first goal from a free-kick 35 yards out, it was game on. Liverpool knew the first goal will be important and they got it early. Soon, Liverpool went 2-0 up from a penalty after Alonso was held in the box. At 2-0, it looked very likely Liverpool could go on grab the third to win the tie. Kuyt had a chance from a header but Cech was quick and tall enough to step back to palm it away.

"Aurelio gets it started!"

Chelsea were angry of their display in the first half. Rightly so. They were nervous and taken aback by Liverpool. However, they came out a better team the second half. While Liverpool were chasing their third goal, Chelsea pulled one back. A low cross from Anelka into the box met the slightest of Drogba's boot and it was not anticipated by Reina who pushed it into his own net after positioning himself to receive the cross. With the goal, it didn't really put a dent into Liverpool's hope as Liverpool still need the third goal they were chasing. However, Chelsea equalised through Alex from a free-kick. He took it with absolute power and caught Reina off guard. He could have palm it away but the power and speed of the ball left him with no chance.

"Alonso gives real hope!"

At 2-2, surely a lot would say it's game over for Liverpool. At 3-2, more hope seemed to be lost. After Alex's goal, a mistake from Alonso who was too eager and too quick to counter attack gave Chelsea their third. Lampard was the scorer from Alonso's mistake. Due to the need and eagerness to attack and score, Liverpool's defence was badly exposed. I thought Skrtel did not go into challenges he should have. Nonetheless, hopefully he will learn from it. After 2005, Liverpool never really defended as desperately and good as they did when needed. I guess that's the price you have to pay when you look to play attacking football.

"The players still believed then!"

With the scoreline at 3-2, Benitez substituted in Ngog for Torres. For a lot of people, they see it as keeping Torres fit for the league game as it is hopeless then. However, Liverpool scored the next minute to equalise. Lucas had space and time in midfield and he took a shot. It was deflected in by Essein. With less than 10 minutes left, I wondered could it still happen. What do I know? The next minute, Liverpool found themselves a goal away from qualifying. Reira made a good cross from the left and Kuyt powered in a header from close range. 3-4, it was game on again suddenly when all hope seemed lost. With Liverpool, you have to dare to believe.

However, the defence again proved the trouble for Liverpool as it was for Chelsea as well. With a minute left on normal time, Drogba pulled back a ball for Lampard and his shot was deflected into the net from the woodwork. At 4-4, it surely was the end for Liverpool. Within a minute, Ngog nearly scored if not for Essein's header off the line and that put out the flame in Liverpool if there was still any left.

Despite losing the round on 7-5 aggregate, the way Liverpool played at Chelsea was fantastic. They showed the desire, believe, commitment, attitude, and will-power. On the night, it was always for the 96. Despite not winning, the 96 would be proud of Liverpool. The four goals will surely be dedicated to them and their families. One big highlight for me in the game was the supporters. They kept supporting the players no matter what the scoreline was at. No matter how the match ended, it was always to be a day Liverpool will be united.

"There's still a mission to be made possible!"

This game had a lot of twist and turn. Liverpool kept creating possibilities against all odds. Time after time, they refused to give up and kept pushing for it. In many ways, the game reflected very well on Liverpool's league campaign. At the moment, they kept pushing M*n U*d by winning games. At the same time, M*n U*d are as resilient in keeping their place on top. In the end, Liverpool could push them right to the last game and yet M*n U*d could end up as winners.

As with this game though, no matter where Liverpool end up, the players and staff can be really proud of their achievement and progress this season. As a supporter, I was already very proud of them weeks back, still am and will be. The way the club has progress this season means there are a lot of positives to take from and it gives some real hope next season if nothing is won this season. Another great night and I say, "Thank You, Liverpool Football Club".


"You'll Never Walk Alone"