Chelsea plot revenge over Liverpool
Chelsea plot revenge over Liverpool
Chelsea go into the second leg with a 1-0 lead, but fortress Anfield will be a test of character for Mourinho's men.

New Delhi: It's a big European night for English football on Tuesday - Chelsea travel to Liverpool for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final.

The London super-club go into this match with a 1-0 advantage, but fortress Anfield will be a real test of character for Mourinho's men.

A moment of brilliance from Joe Cole at Stamford bridge last week won it for Chelsea. But Mourinho's men know that a 1-0 advantage going into an away leg is like walking a tight-rope.

Chelsea will also battle fatigue after playing out a 2-2 draw with Bolton in the EPL. Injuries haven't helped either, Andriy Shevchenko, Michael Ballack and Ricardo Carvalho are out. The good news, though, is that winger Arjen Robben is back after knee surgery while Michael Essien returns after suspension.

"We know if you don't concede goals, we are in the final. So to not concede goals is an objective. But we also know that if we score goals, we have an advantage because we didn't concede at home. So, if you tell me if this game is about 10 minutes, I could tell you, 'Okay, 10 minutes I will defend with everything.' But this is about 90 minutes," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho told reporters.

Liverpool have made it clear that the Champions League title is what they are after. Coach Rafa Benitez fielded an under strength team in the Premier League match against Portsmouth.

They have history on their side too. The Reds haven't lost a Champions League semi-final since 1965. And Anfield Park can be a nerve-wracking experience for the visitors.

"To be favourites or not, to be underdogs, it doesn't matter now. It's not important. We have to approach the game and see on the pitch if they have the confidence or not," Liverpool manager Benitez said.

Both teams know that nothing will be gained from holding back. For Liverpool, this is another chance to extend their great European legacy, and for Chelsea it's a chance at that one elusive title that they've never won.

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