Benteke salvages hope for Liverpool
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
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Christian Benteke headed an equaliser at the death as a strong Liverpool lineup held Chelsea to maintain their outside chance of a top-six finish.
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Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea (Benteke 90+2; Hazard 32)
The Reds retain a chance of qualifying for next season's UEFA Europa League through their league position after Christian Benteke struck at the death to earn them a draw at home against the deposed English champions. Fielding a full-strength side after prevailing with a much-altered selection at the weekend, Jürgen Klopp's side were frustrated in the first half, Eden Hazard putting Chelsea in front with a superb individual effort.
Daniel Sturridge, Kolo Touré and substitute Sheyi Ojo missed decent chances after the break but, just after Simon Mignolet had saved from Hazard, Liverpool levelled when Ojo picked out Benteke to head in. Three points adrift of sixth-placed West Ham with one game to play, the Reds could move up from eighth to sixth on the final day, but only if they win at West Brom, while the Hammers lose and seventh-ranked Southampton drop points.
