Late leveller alters Liverpool approach

Last-gasp drama
Initial signs pointed to just such an outcome. The visitors defied a predictably raucous Anfield crowd to make the better start as they strove, at the fourth attempt, to win a last-four tie in this competition (having also lost to AS Monaco FC in 2004). Meanwhile, with Liverpool without a goal in eight trips to west London under Rafael Benítez, they knew a first-leg advantage was essential and they looked like earning one thanks to Dirk Kuyt's goal two minutes before half-time. However, that was before John Arne Riise's last-gasp own goal tipped the balance back towards Avram Grant's men.

Ever-present reminders
If the players needed reminding of what was at stake, they did not have far to look. John Terry had admitted in his pre-match press conference that walking past the replica of the trophy – awarded to Liverpool after their fifth European Champion Clubs' Cup victory in 2005 – left him "burning" to lead Chelsea into the final for the first time. Nor were the hosts short of reminders of their glorious past. A flag flying from the Kop bore an image of the trophy under the number "5", while one of several giant banners proclaimed "Liverpool FC – support and believe" above five copies of the cup, whose image dominated the ground.

Anfield effect
Terry and his manager Grant had sought to play down the significance of the Anfield atmosphere, in which Chelsea had come unstuck in both 2005 and 2007, and that message appeared to have spread to the away fans with more than one shirt in their section showing "No fear". Indeed, unlike on their last two semi-final visits, the Blues settled faster and looked more likely to make the early breakthrough – Joe Cole was unable to convert two presentable openings.

Torres thwarted
Five Liverpool supporters outside the stadium sported replica jerseys with the word "God" above the No9, in tribute to a previous occupant of the shirt, Robbie Fowler. The present owner, Fernando Torres, is not considered a deity just yet, although 30 goals in his first season have certainly secured the affection of the locals. He might have had another – and a sixth UEFA Champions League goal – on the half-hour but prodded Steven Gerrard's through pass straight at Petr Čech.

The equaliser
Instead it was left to Kuyt, author of the winning penalty in last year's semi-final shoot-out, to capitalise on hesitant defending by Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele and give Liverpool a 43rd-minute lead. With only three goals in the teams' previous six UEFA Champions League meetings, that strike seemed destined to decide the outcome during a second half in which neither side were prepared to over-commit to attack. However, Riise's diving header five minutes into added time finally beat Pepe Reina and left Liverpool needing to break their Stamford Bridge duck under Benítez to reach an eighth European Cup final – while Chelsea are within touching distance of their first.