Carling Cup: Chronicle of the match between Chelsea and Liverpool
Liverpool got into the Carling Cup semi-finals with a comprehensive 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Just 9 days after meeting them in the Premier League, Chelsea sought revenge for a late winner from Glen Johnson. But a goal from Maxi, his second in a fortnight against the Blues, and a debut goal from Martin Kelly continued Kenny Dalglish’s unbeaten record as manager against the London outfit.
With the Reds playing just 48 hours earlier, Dalglish introduced a number of changes to the starting line-up. Jamie Carragher returned after suffering an injury, along with Craig Bellamy. There were also starts for Martin Kelly, Andy Carroll, Sebastian Coates, Maxi Rodríguez and Jay Spearing, all looking to impress for upcoming league games. The former red Fernando Torres was also in the starting eleven for Chelsea after being left out the previous day.
Before kickoff, fans and teams alike held an emotional minute of applause in memory of Gary Speed.
The match had a controversial start, with 3 minutes on the clock, David Luiz appealed a penalty for fouling Coates. But referee Phil Dowd dismissed the claims and booked the Brazilian for simulation.
On the opposite side it was a change of roles, Andy Carroll fell into the penalty area asking for a penalty before a tackle by David Luiz, but the referee again dismissed the allegations.
Approaches were attempted from both sides; neither team was looking to take risks, resulting in limited opportunities. The game was far from a classic so far.
Then, in the 22nd minute, Alex sent a cross from José Enrique into the area under pressure from Andy Carroll. Liverpool received a penalty. The Liverpool number 9 approached the spot but saw the fierce momentum of him saved by Ross Turnbull’s dive. A farewell to the Blues.
Romelu Lukaku then came close, narrowly finishing Jose Bosingwa’s cross. Leaving both teams tied going into halftime.
Liverpool started the second half at a high pace, Craig Bellamy leading several counter-attacks as Chelsea and Liverpool moved forward in search of an opener.
11 minutes after the restart, Chelsea’s best chance of the match slipped off the line. Florent Malouda headed in a deep free kick from Frank Lampard, which hit the crossbar and fell into the hands of David Luiz. But the Brazilian’s effort was instinctively stopped on the line by the Uruguayan Coates.
Chelsea were then made to pay for their foul. With Liverpool opening the scoring on 58 minutes. Jordan Henderson sliced magnificently through the Chelsea defense with a precise pass that knocked out Craig Bellamy, the Welshman plowed away from the Chelsea defense and fired a low cross into the face of the goal to Maxi Rodríguez, leaving him with the simple task of playing in a simple finish. Argentina continues with its free scoring streak.
The Reds then increased their lead 5 minutes later. Martin Kelly headed in from close range following a precise Craig Bellamy free kick. The 21-year-old’s first goal for the club was enough to send the traveling 5000 Kop into ecstasy.
The celebrations were soon reduced to anxious worries, as an injury to Lucas dampened the moods. The Brazilian has been a fundamental figure within this Liverpool and everyone hopes that the injury picked up is not serious.
Chelsea then had two late chances to get back into the game. Anelka was unable to dodge an approaching Reina, followed by the Spaniard and then cleverly parried a Fernando Torres header.
Liverpool held on to march to the semi-finals, where they will meet their opponents on Wednesday night.