Liverpool 1-3 Chelsea

7 months ago 09th Apr 09:53

Liverpool's Champions League Dreams seem all but crushed after a 3-1 defeat by Chelsea at Anfield.

The home side went ahead early thanks to a Fernando Torres goal but goals from Branislav Ivanovic and Didier Drogba meant Liverpool have a mountain to climb if they are to make the semi finals.

Liverpool started the game at high tempo, piling the pressure on Chelsea. Dirk Kuyt almost scored after just two minutes but his shot was deflected just wide off Ivanovic. The goal came just four minutes later though thanks to Torres.

Kuyt sent a clever flick releasing Alvaro Arbeloa down the right flank and he sent a cross to Torres who sent his low finish past Petr Cech.

Chelsea could have responded immediately when Salomon Kalou sent Drogba clear in the area but keeper Pepe Reina made an important block.

Torres almost had a second when he robbed Frank Lampard but sent the effort just wide.

Drogba could have again equalised but stumbled and regained control in the area, only to shoot over the top.

Chelsea got their equaliser, and vital away goal, on 39 minutes from Malouda's corner when Ivanovic turned a header in past Reina.

After the break Carragher had to make a clearance off the line from Drogba but Liverpool had chances to with Torres breaking Chelsea's defence only to shoot over the top.

A yellow card for Terry, after a clumsy challenge on Reina, saw him ruled out for the second league at Stamford Bridge next week.

However things picked up for Chelsea after that. Ivanovic was given space and time in the box to get his second of the night, heading Lampard's corner past Reina on 26 minutes. Five minutes later Drogba got his goal, turning in Florent Malouda's left-wing cross from eight yards.

The Blues continued to threaten while Liverpool pressed to little effect. Liverpool now must win by at least three goals to proceed to the semi finals.

Last night's other Champions League results:

Barcelona 4-0 Bayern Munich