Liverpool won the semi-final match on penalties over Chelsea to advance the Final on 23 May.
It was a tough match, but Liverpool looked the better team for 80% of the match (and had something like 70% of the possession in the first half). A score in the 22nd minute by the much-maligned Daniel Agger (sweet revenge) proved to be hugely important.
Chelski definitely seemed short of inspiration and while they had a couple of good chances, Liverpool looked more likely to score the entire game. I thought Chelski played quite cynically, before the goal going down at every opportunity. In the second half and extra time they seemed to make a lot of very questionable tackles that the Spanish ref let go. Very poor refereeing in my opinion. I saw Per Luigi Collina (the great Italian ref) in the stands at one point - the camera cut to him right after the Spanish ref disallowed Dirk Kuyt's goal in extra time (which I think may have been another mistake). I would love to hear his explanation. What a pity that he cannot referee the Final.
Jose Reina was inspired and saved two penalties after extra time leaving Liverpool the winner (4-1) on penalties.
I'm not really sure who is the better opponent - Man Utd or AC Milan. There are definitely some interesting stories if AC Milan wins tomorrow. But I believe that Man Utd may be the better team.
But then, that's what playing over two legs is supposed to do. Remove any doubt of who is the better team.
Hear that, Jose?
Posted by artandscience at May 1, 2007 08:54 PM