April 16th, 2009 by Peter Bevan

Frank Lampard scores two goals as Chelsea FC make Champions League semi-finals

Chelsea FC beat Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge 7-5 on aggregate (4-4 on the night) in a nail-biting Champions League quarter-final in what some have described as one of the best European ties of all time.

Liverpool FC were trailing 3-1 from the first leg but proved they were not down and out after dominating and scoring two goals in the first half; an extraordinary free kick from Fabio Aurelio and a Xabi Alonso penalty after Chelsea FC’s Branislav Ivanovic was judged by the referee to be tugging in the penalty box.

After some angry words by Chelsea FC temporary manager Guus Hiddink, substitute Nicolas Anelka provided a low cross and a slight touch from striker Didier Drogba led to a handling error by Liverpool FC goalkeeper Jose Reina and the ball fumbled into the back of the net. A thunder-bolt free kick from Chelsea FC defender Alex and a Frank Lampard close-range shot put the Blues ahead 3-2.

But another two Liverpool FC goals in two minutes meant a nervy end to this box-to-box match. Lucas Leiva’s deflected shot and Dirk Kuyt’s power header meant Liverpool FC needed one more goal to win the tie on away goals.

But a second Frank Lampard goal with a strike in the 89th minute brought the score to 4-4 on the night and sealed the win 7-5 on aggregate. Chelsea FC now face Champions League favourites FC Barcelona in two weeks time for a place in the Champions League final in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on 27 May.

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